Latvia tackles racism
Monday, November 24, 2003
Article summary
Latvia's success on the field is being matched by its support for UEFA's anti-racism drive.
Article body
Pitch board
For the recent international against Uzbekistan, a 'Unite Against Racism' publicity hoarding was placed in front of the substitutes' bench. The board attracted considerable interest, and was the latest step in a campaign which has seen the LFF hold regular discussions with fans about the problem of racism in football in Europe, as well as on the situation between people of different nationalities in Latvia.
Match programme
For the UEFA European Championship qualifiers against Poland and Hungary, the 'Unite Against Racism' logo and an article on racist issues within football appeared in the match programme. The LFF has received praise from the public and media for its work in educating Latvia's football enthusiasts about the evils of racism. Players of different nationalities have also been highlighted in various LFF publications, as well as in national newspaper columns.
Grassroots tournament
At grassroots level, the LFF also recently staged the finals of their 'Unite Against Racism' tournament. Children of different nationalities have taken part in the competition, which was won by Riga's Lithuanian school. All of the participants in the competition were rewarded, with the LFF giving tickets to children and their parents for the domestic match between Skonto FC and FK Ventspils.
