Anti-racism takes centre stage
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Article summary
The FARE network will make a stand against racism in next week's UEFA Champions League matches.
Article body
Supporting the message
At all 16 Matchday 3 games played on Tuesday and Wednesday, Europe's biggest stars will be supporting the message against racism. Each team will be accompanied on to the pitch by children wearing 'Unite Against Racism' T-shirts, and tannoy announcements will be made before each tie. Hundreds of thousands of fans will directly witness events in the stadiums, while millions more will see them via live television coverage.
On the rise
The FARE network is co-ordinating activities that will involve supporters groups, football clubs, national associations, community and migrant organisations, anti-discrimination initiatives and schools. While last season's anti-racism events were staged in 33 European countries, this year that number will rise to 35.
Financial assistance
FARE is also providing financial assistance to grassroots organisations across the continent to help arrange anti-racism activities during the Action Week, such as the production of campaigning materials, organisation of anti-racism matches, special fan choreographies and anti-racism themed football tournaments to engage minority communities.
Raising awareness
"The FARE Action Week has grown from a group of concerned individuals and organisations coming together to raise awareness of racism in the game to the largest series of activities against racism in sport," said FARE representative Michael Fanizadeh.
Gathering momentum
"The anti-racism campaign is gathering greater momentum each season with more partnerships being made during the Action Week for ongoing campaigning throughout the season. The anti- racism message used to be confined to outside the stadiums. Now we are inside the stadiums and our voices are beginning to be heard."
On-field contribution
UEFA will make an on-field contribution to the Action Week next Monday when a staff team plays its traditional match against a local side at the Stade de Colovray in Nyon, Switzerland. The visitors will feature local-based players from countries such as Serbia and Montenegro, Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon and Russia.
