Children from across Wales will rub shoulders with some of the nation's brightest sporting stars at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow as a reward for helping to Show Racism the Red Card in their schools and communities.
Racism shown red card
12th April 2011, 1:31 pm By Principality Stadium
Children from across Wales will rub shoulders with some of the nation’s brightest sporting stars at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow as a reward for helping to Show Racism the Red Card in their schools and communities.
Wales Football manager Gary Speed, Cardiff City star Adam Mathews, former WBO & WBU world champion boxer Enzo Maccarinelli and Newport Gwent Dragons power house Ali McKenzie will be among the celebs giving out prizes to the youngsters at the iconic venue, which hosts 15 charitable organisations each year as part of its Community Events initiative.
Tomorrow’s event, hosted by Sports Wales and Scrum V presenter Lisa Rogers and former Soccer Sunday anchor Jonathon Owen, marks the 4th year of the annual competition run by ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ at the venue.
The anti-racist charity, who deliver workshops in schools across Wales are celebrating a record breaking year, having educated nearly 10,000 youngsters about how to stop racism in their communities.
Young people were asked to design posters, t-shirts, write a piece of poetry or perform a piece of dance or drama with a strong anti-racism message.
Bluebirds striker Jay Bothroyd attended last year’s competition saying: “Playing in Italy, there was racism here and there, but that’s old-fashioned and football authorities are doing their best to kick it out. As a kid I was called names. Coloured. Half caste. Part-time n*****.
“None of that is acceptable. I used to react aggressively and wanted to have a fight. I quickly realised that just put me in the wrong.
“The best way for children to deal with it is tell an adult – as soon as you can.”
It’s the biggest competition to date with almost 5000 youngsters from well over 100 schools taking part, and 82% of council areas getting involved.
All the runners-up and winners will receive a range of signed sporting memorabilia, match tickets and with winners getting a chance to watch the national football and rugby teams training.
“The competition is a great way to celebrate all the hard work of the young people in the schools we work in and shows that the future generation of Wales really are pro-active in taking the anti-racist message forward,’ said Welsh Campaign manager Sunil Patel.
Millennium Stadium General Manager Gerry Toms invites any not-for-profit community organisation across Wales to apply to hold their event at the Millennium Stadium via the official website click here.
“The Community Events programme is a great opportunity for charitable organisations all over Wales to enjoy their national stadium facilities without the costs that commercial organisations face when bringing their events to the city centre,” said Mr Toms, who heads up the scheme at the multi-event venue.
“The events have been hugely successful over the years and attracted a range of positive activity from community football to landing the Wales Air Ambulance helicopter on the pitch.”
Up to 15 events each year will be staged free of charge, except for direct costs incurred by the Millennium Stadium which will be borne by the event organisers, and Mr Toms is always keen to encourage new ideas from community groups in Wales.
“We encourage people from right across Wales to apply and welcome new groups of people with new ideas,” he added.
“We can be flexible here as the Millennium Stadium is a multi-event venue – If it is possible, then our team can make it happen within the Community Events programme.”