Feature: Sport and Human Rights
No.48
September 2006
 
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Profile - Stand Up Speak Up

Stand Up Speak Up is a campaign that empowers true football fans to show their opposition to racism.
Following an increase in reports of racists incidents in football across Europe, Arsenal and France striker Theirry Henry joined forced with other top players from across Europe, and with Nike, his sponsor, to create the Stand Up Speak Up campaign to protest against the continuing problem. The campaign has been designed to encourage the 'silent majority' of non-racist fans to speak up against racist abuse in stadiums.
“One of the problems for players when they hear abuse is what to do about it at the time on the pitch. Imagine being abused because of the colour of your skin while trying to do your job. It's difficult to keep your cool on the pitch when you hear this kind of stuff, but if you let it affect you it means the racists have won,” said Henry.
The symbol of the campaign is the black and white wristband. Players and fans have been wearing them to show they support Theirry Henry's campaign and their disgust at racist behavior in stadiums and in the game. All funds resulting from the sale of the wristbands are donated to the Stand Up Speak Up Fund and The King Baudouin Foundation. The Foundation conducts research regarding practices in anti-racism campaigns and projects to ensure that funds are distributed effectively to organizations and projects working against racism in football.
“I am not naïve enough to think the campaign will change everything just like that, but it's obvious that standing by and doing nothing won't change things either,” stated Henry.


Contact:
Ann de Mol
KING BAUDOUIN FOUNDATION (BELGIUM)
http://www.kbs-frb.be
Rue de Brederodestraat 21
B-1000 Brussels - Belgium
Telephone: + 32 2 511 1840
DEMOL.A@Kbs-frb.be




http://www.icsspe.org/portal/index.php?w=1&z=5