FARE gets big game stage
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Article summary
This week's matches provide a platform for Football Against Racism in Europe.
Article body
This week's UEFA Champions League matches provide a platform for the Action Week being staged by UEFA's partner, the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network.
No place in football
Announcements will be made over stadium public address systems; captains will wear Unite Against Racism armbands; Unite Against Racism logos will appear on stadium screens; and children escorting players on to the pitch will wear Unite Against Racism T-shirts in all 16 matches, in just some of the activities planned to put over the message that racism and intolerance have no place in football.
Celebrate diversity
UEFA has been working with the network for the last five years, funding anti-racism initiatives at UEFA EURO 2004™ and for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2008™ tournament, and supporting grassroots activities across the continent. As a core Social Responsibility partner of UEFA, the relationship demonstrates the determination of European football's governing body to do all it can to tackle discrimination and celebrate diversity across the game.
Symbolic stand
The FARE Action Week is the focus of European football's symbolic stand against racism, discrimination and violence. Activities are designed to raise awareness of the issue and underline football's determination to tackle the problem. Initiatives are led by campaigning NGOs, fan groups, clubs, national associations, ethnic minorities, youth groups and schools. In all, more than 2,000 activities will take place in 37 European countries.
Formed in 1999
The FARE network was formed in 1999 by fan groups and NGOs concerned at the rising tide of racism and far-right groups in European football. Key activities include the Mondiali Antirazzisti (Anti-Racism World Cup) in Italy every July, grassroots activities by fans and ethnic minority and migrant associations, and lobbying for change by those running the game.
For further details on the FARE Action Week and a list of activities, refer to farenet.org. Information is available in English, German, Italian and French.