This is no token gesture, no token logo on a basketball jersey or a tee-shirt. When Kelsey Griffin says we got you, "I truly mean what I'm saying and I'm standing behind it".
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Which is why the Canberra Capitals have joined forces with Patty Mills' "We Got You" campaign to bolster the fight against racism in sport.
The campaign logo will be emblazoned on the side of each Capitals player's jersey throughout the upcoming WNBL campaign which tips off next week.
Some of Australia's top athletes have joined forces to let their voices be heard with the likes of Scott Sio, Patrick Dangerfield, Peter Siddle, Daly Cherry-Evans, Erin Phillips, Jordan Kahu, Romelda Aiken, Simon Goodwin, Lydia Williams and Joe Ingles on board.
The reigning WNBL champions have held Indigenous rounds over the past two seasons but co-captain Griffin says their latest move is a step the club needed to take.
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"It was great there was a round, but it wasn't enough. It needs to be something recognised daily," Griffin said.
"We've taken it that next step and have it on our regular playing singlet. More than that, and Patty really stressed this, it's not just something you wear, it's something you really have to stand behind and believe.
"We all decided as a playing group we do believe in this campaign and what it stands for. It is about storytelling, love and inclusiveness, it's not about being abrasive and in your face. It's about showing respect for the original land owners of this country and letting them know we've got them.
"More than anything, it's just the sadness you feel that that's how someone has to live their life, or that's an experience they had, or they worry about their children.
"It made me feel like I had a call to action, like I had to do more and be more of a part of the solution to helping people feel included and safe in their day to day life.
"We're not going to stand for racism as the Canberra Capitals. If we see something, we're going to say something. There is no place for racism in our sport. More than that, it's the inclusion factor. Everyone belongs."
The Capitals will fly to Queensland early on Friday afternoon as they prepare to launch their tilt at a third consecutive WNBL championship.
Club officials are poised to unveil club membership options and hold screenings of select games at cinemas in the city in a bid to maintain fan engagement with the team on the road all season.
Griffin is set to miss the season opener against Adelaide in Mackay on Wednesday, after suffering back spasms which have kept her off the court during pre-season training.
However the Capitals star has racked up more kilometres on bikes than she has in any pre-season to date, adamant she will be fully fit when given the all clear.
It's a welcome sign leading into a season she says won't be won by the best team, but the healthiest team.
CANBERRA CAPITALS 2020 FIXTURE
All times in AEDT.
Round one: Wednesday, November 11 - Adelaide Lightning v Canberra Capitals at Mackay Stadium, 6pm.
Round one: Sunday, November 15 - Canberra Capitals v Townsville Fire at Mackay Stadium, 8pm.
Round two: Monday, November 16 - Canberra Capitals v Bendigo Spirit at Mackay Stadium, 6pm.
Round two: Wednesday, November 18 - Melbourne Boomers v Canberra Capitals at Mackay Stadium, 6pm.
Round two: Saturday, November 21 - Sydney Flames v Canberra Capitals at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 9.30pm
Round three: Monday, November 23 - Southside Flyers v Canberra Capitals at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 6pm.
Round three: Wednesday, November 25 - Canberra Capitals v Sydney Flames at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 6pm.
Round three: Thursday, November 26 - Canberra Capitals v Perth Lynx at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 7pm.
Round three: Saturday, November 28 - Bendigo Spirit v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 7.30pm.
Round four: Tuesday, December 1 - Canberra Capitals v Melbourne Boomers at Townsville Stadium, 5pm.
Round four: Friday, December 4 - Canberra Capitals v Adelaide Lightning at Townsville Stadium, 6pm.
Round four: Sunday, December 6 - Townsville Fire v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 6pm.
Round five: Thursday, December 10 - Perth Lynx v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 7pm.
Round five: Saturday, December 12 - Canberra Capitals v Southside Flyers at Townsville, 5pm.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports journalist for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports journalist for The Canberra Times.
