Big names from the worlds of sport and literature will gather in London next Wednesday (22 January) to launch the annual Show Racism the Red Card school competition – the country’s largest equalities-themed competition for young people.
Children’s author and poet Michael Rosen, Chelsea FC Women midfielder Anita Asante, ex-Arsenal Women and England player Rachel Yankey, Jermain Jackman, England cricketer Monty Panesar and former Scotland manager Alex McLeish will be among the special guests helping to kick-off the competition at UNISON’s Euston headquarters.
The project, which has been running for more than two decades, supports schools to talk to pupils of all ages about racism. It’s designed to stimulate discussion and understanding and encourage young people to think critically about issues around racism.
Entrants will produce original creative designs on the theme of anti-racism using a range of formats – from artwork, creative writing and film, to fashion designs and music. Organisers expect thousands of young people from across the UK to take up the challenge.
More than half a million pupils have taken part in the competition since it was launched in 1998. Winning entries are shared by the charity in posters, publications, on its website and through social media, as well as featuring in the Show Racism the Red Card fundraising calendar.
Winners attend a high-profile awards ceremony in the spring to receive prizes presented by special guests, including current and former professional footballers.
The competition launch is supported by UNISON, the country’s largest union and by the NEU. Other special guests include Show Racism the Red Card Vice President Leroy Rosenior MBE and former professional footballers Paul Canoville, Paul Davis and Alain Goma.
Chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card Ged Grebby said: “UNISON has been a supporter of Show Racism the Red Card since day one and have been instrumental in the organisation’s development ever since.
“The UK Schools Competition is one of the highlights of our anti-racism education work and one of the most powerful ways of combatting racism. Last year 27,000 young people took part in the competition across 474 schools. The standard of entries was incredible.
“We use the entries in our publications and online campaigning to get across a strong anti-racism message. UNISON and the NEU help ensure every school in the UK gets an opportunity to engage in the competition. We’re hoping this year’s competition will be bigger than ever. At a time of growing racism across the UK, this anti-racism message is certainly needed.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “We can’t afford to be complacent and think racism is a thing of the past, it isn’t.
“Today Black footballers are being abused at football grounds and on social media and hostility towards Black people in wider society is on the rise. Show Racism the Red Card is doing incredibly important work that’s as relevant now as it’s ever been.
“I’m immensely proud that UNISON is working with Show Racism the Red card to help young people challenge racism and celebrate the rich diversity that has made our country such a special place.”
Notes to editors:
– You are invited to send a photographer/journalist to the launch event on Wednesday 22 January 2020 from 6pm-8pm at UNISON headquarters, 130 Euston Rd, London NW1 2AY.
– There will be opportunities to interview Show Racism the Red Card chief executive, Ged Grebby, as well as celebrity patrons and ambassadors for the charity including Michael Rosen, Anita Asante, Alex McLeish, Leroy Rosenior MBE, Paul Canoville, Paul Davis and Alain Goma.
– Please confirm your attendance by emailing info@theredcard.org For more information about Show Racism the Red Card please contact Janice Riddell at Janice@theredcard.org.
– Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s largest anti-racism educational charity. Founded in 1996, it uses the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. The charity works with schools, football clubs, unions and companies to deliver unique anti-racism education to children, young people and adults. Each year it delivers training to more than 50,000 people across England, Wales and Scotland.
– Find out more about Show Racism the Red Card at: Twitter: @SRTRC_England; Facebook: @theredcard; Instagram: @showracismtheredcard; Online: www.theredcard.org
Media contacts:
Ged Grebby T: 0191 257 8519 M: 07710 776616 E: ged@theredcard.org
Garfield Myrie T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07432 741565 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk