Annunciation
Football is the biggest sport in the world and belongs to us all. It should be the right of every person to play, watch and discuss freely, without fear. Football Against Racism in Europe – FARE – will fight through football all forms of discrimination in football: in the stadium, on the pitch, in the changing room, at the training ground, in the office and classroom; by fans, players, managers, coaches, administrators or educators.
What started as a minor campaign in nine countries in 2001 has now become the largest series of anti-racism activities in sport ever staged. The 2007 Action Week saw a record number of more than 700 events in 37 countries in and around football grounds all over Europe . Europe’s top stars are lending support to the campaign. All 32 teams of the UEFA Champions League participated in the “Unite Against Racism” campaign, reaching more than 600,000 fans directly at the matches and millionsmore via live broadcast on television. The number of participating professional leagues has increased to 14. Also the symbolic activities organized by national FAs and individual clubs are reaching out to more people each year.
Today the network has active partners in more than 37 countries and is working across the game with fans, players, migrant and ethnic minority organizations, and governing bodies, including UEFA and FIFA . It also includes members from within football such as professional clubs and players unions. By supporting and nurturing grassroots groups and combining the voices of ordinary fans of the game, FARE acts as an umbrella organization for those challenging racism and discrimination throughout Europe .
Thanks to the FARE network concerted campaigning for change is becoming evident. However, problems still exist and racial abuse, the exclusion of ethnic minorities and migrants, and discrimination continue both on and off the pitch.
This on behalf of the 9 th FARE Action Week against Racism (16 -28 October 2008), the National Roma Centrum in cooperation with the FARE network and FC Kumanovo – Eurosport, on Friday 24.10.2008, starting at 12:00 o’clock is organizing sports activities. Many young people, from various nationalities from Kumanovo will take part in this activity. It is our pleasure to invite you to give your support and to contribute to abolish stereotypes and discrimination.