The Australian government has provided Rs. 1.646 million (AUD19, 538) to the Blue Diamond Society (BDS) to undertake a project aimed at using sports to tackle the social stigmas associated with the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered and intersex community in Nepal through its 2011-12 Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP).

“BDS will use the funds to organise national sporting competitions for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and third genders (LGBTs) to raise awareness about LGBT rights and inclusion, to help to boost LGBT’s self-esteem, and to show society that LGBTs can participate and succeed in society (including in sporting activities) along with other Nepalis.” reads the press statement issued by Australian Embassy.

In 2010-11, ASOP funded Shangri-La Cricket Academy to conduct cricket coaching seminars and outreach programs to bring cricket to areas outside Kathmandu. nepalnews.com