(Community Recognition Statement, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

I congratulate the organisers of the Bingham Cup, which will be held in Sydney in 2014. The official launch of the cup, known as the gay Rugby World Cup, was held in Parliament last night. I was delighted to join the member for Coogee and the member for Vaucluse in hosting the event.

Also in attendance were the Mayor of Woollahra, Andrew Petrie; Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore; Federal member for Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull; and a number of State members of Parliament and councillors. The cup is named after San Francisco Fog player Mark Bingham, who tragically died during the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States of America. As one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex [LGBTI] sporting events, the Bingham Cup will make a significant cultural and economic contribution to Sydney and New South Wales. The "United in Rugby" theme hopes to challenge Australians to tackle homophobia. The event has the support of Woollahra council, the City of Sydney, the New South Wales State Government and the Federal Government.