Newcastle Falcons RFC Host Full Day Anti-Racism event, September 22nd 2011
Show Racism the Red Card delivered a day of anti-racism activities with 90 young people at Kingston Park Stadium
More about this event...
School pupils from Beacon Hill Primary, Redesdale Primary and Shanklea Primary School enjoyed a day of anti-racism activities - and a rugby session! - at Kingston Park Stadium.
Young people participated in two Show Racism the Red Card workshops: they took part in an activity exploring stereotypes, discussed a definition of racism and extended their understanding of the impact of racism. The workshops aimed to raise young people's understanding of the impacts of racism and empowered them to realise their important role in stopping racism.
The Falcons Community Department organised fun rugby fitness sessions for each of the school groups. The young people were extremely excited to be taking part in these sessions at the same time time as the Falcons were also using the training facilities!
In the afternoon the young people watched Show Racism the Red Card’s educational film featuring top footballers who describe their experiences of racism and offer advice on how to deal with, and combat, racism whenever it occurs.
Show Racism the Red Card work with ex-professional footballers as football coaches and anti-racism ambassadors. Our team of North East coaches John Anderson, Trevor Benjamin, Gary Bennett and Olivier Bernard all took part in a Q&A discussion, taking questions on racism from the young people. They were joined by Newcastle Falcons prop forward James Hall, who told the audience that "we should never tolerate racism or any form of discrimination".
Young people asked a great range of questions about racism: those who asked the best questions on the day were awarded with Show Racism the Red Card t-shirts and footballs as well as tickets for Newcastle United's next home fixture.
Lizz Bennett, Community Education Worker for Show Racism the Red Card, said:
“It is fantastic to be back at the home of the Newcastle Falcons – we have been working with the club since 2000. Working with role models from sports such as rugby and football really helps to engage young people with issues of racism. I am confident this event will have a lasting positive impact on young people, hearing from their sporting heroes about racism and ways in which it can be combated is really empowering for them.
“Whilst racism in British sport has certainly improved drastically over recent years, sadly racism is still very much a reality for many people in our society. It is imperative that young people are inspired to become agents for change and reject racism in their homes and communities.
"Racism is a learnt behaviour and through education and input from positive role models we can provide young people with an alternative view and promote tolerance and equality.”
All young people left with a goody bag complete with a wristband, our brand new Red Card magazine and a Newcastle Falcons poster - signed by James and all of the panellists.
Thank you to Newcastle Falcons Community Department and Melanie Magee for their support in making this event possible. Thanks to Newcastle United FC for the kind donation of match tickets.
This was the first in our season of educational events at stadiums across England. Find out more about our Forthcoming Events.
