Cork City FC, in conjunction with NASC, will today welcome 11 mascots from Ireland and a number of other countries to Turner’s Cross to mark Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) Week.
The 11 mascots will accompany the City players onto the pitch for tonight’s game against Salthill Devon. The children will wear t-shirts with the slogan ‘United Against Racism.’
Cork City FC is among up to 150 groups – including schools, football clubs and community organisations – from throughout Ireland who are taking part in FARE Week 2010. The week is an initiative of UEFA and is supported by the Football Association of Ireland. The initiative runs from 14th to 26th October, and will see thousands of events taking place across Europe to highlight anti-racism messages and celebrate diversity. FARE Week 2010 is supported by the Office of the Minister of State for Integration.
While football can be divisive, it is also incredibly powerful in uniting people and breaking down barriers. Now that Ireland is a multicultural society, we need to encourage children and adults to grow their understanding of the many new communities now represented amongst our neighbours, schools and workmates. Because football is such a widely played and supported game, it is a critical tool in preventing racism and growing better cultural understanding.
According to Des Tomlinson, National Coordinator for Intercultural Football at the FAI, “FARE Week is going from strength to strength and we are delighted with the huge number of clubs and schools that have taken the time to promote it through friendly matches, football blitz events and competitions.
