Around 110 school children from local primary schools attended an event supported by Doncaster Council to tackle racism in sport and everyday life.
Around 110 school children from local primary schools attended an event supported by Doncaster Council to tackle racism in sport and everyday life.
Organised by the anti-racist educational charity Show Racism the Red Card and hosted for the fifth time by Doncaster Rovers Football Club, the event at the Keepmoat Stadium (Thursday, 14 February) gave the children an insight into racism and how to fight it.
Peter Davies, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “I want to pay tribute to the excellent work the Show Racism the Red Card Charity has done for over 25 years to educate and equip us to speak out and challenge racism of any kind.
“The Council is working with Doncaster Rovers and Schools throughout the Borough to encourage people to respect each other and to learn that difference is not a bad thing. Together we can reject racism and promote harmony in society.
"This event has once again been a big success with the young people meeting some of their footballing heroes and leaving with a greater understanding of why they and others should not put up with racism in any shape or form.
“Hexthorpe Primary School ‘Cartoon Club’ landed the top prize at the Show Racism the Red Card School Competition awards event at Manchester United Football Club’s Old Trafford stadium last year which highlights the town’s close affiliation with the charity and their work.”
Ged Grebby, Chief Executive of Show Racism the Red Card, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Doncaster Rovers Community Sports & Education Foundation and Doncaster Council to organise this event. The unwavering support we have had from the club, Foundation and Council has ensured we can hold this type of event every year at the Keepmoat. I’m sure the young people from Doncaster schools will enjoy the day and benefit greatly from the event.
“Racism remains an important issue and recent events have shown we cannot be complacent. The ongoing support for this event illustrates the commitment of all the organisations involved to tackling racism in football and in society.”
Brian Flynn "There is no part in football for racism and events like this to educate young people are essential. We have to work together to take it out, not just from football but daily life as well"
The children looked at stereotypes and watched an educational DVD and had a chance to speak to Rovers players Rob Jones and James Harper, former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Matt Murray, former Chelsea Player of the Year Ken Moncur and former Rovers goalkeeper Jan Budtz.