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Club News

Owls tackle racism

9 October 2012

Club News

Owls tackle racism

9 October 2012


Owls stars have teamed up with youngsters from across Sheffield to tackle racism on and off the pitch.

Players Michail Antonio and Chris Lines were joined by former Newcastle defender John Beresford at a Show Racism the Red Card Event held at Hillsborough.

More than 120 Year 5 & 6 pupils from local schools took part in educational activities exploring what racism is, how it affects people and ways it can be stamped out.

The workshop, organised by anti-racism charity SRtRC, included a screening of a DVD featuring international football stars Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Didier Drogba discussing their experiences of racism and their thoughts out how to combat it.       

For many of the young people the highlight was getting the chance to put questions to the panel of special guests including the Owls players.

Michail Antonio said: “I think Show Racism the Red Card are doing an excellent job in highlighting this issue, which is not just a problem in football, but in schools and everyday life.

"It was great for me and Chris to be invited along to help promote this message and to answer questions from the kids.”

The best question, as judged by the panel, received a ground tour and four match tickets which were donated by the SWFC Community Programme.

Gavin Sutherland, Campaign Worker at SRtRC said the event at SWFC was a huge success.

“The kids were really engaged by the activities and the new SRtRC DVD, but the highlight of the whole event was the Q&A session with the Owls players.

"Players can have a very positive impact on young people’s attitudes to racism and Michail and Chris were brilliant at answering the questions put to them.

“I think it was definitely an event to remember for the pupils present and I feel sure that they will spread the message further back at their schools.”

Trevor Braithwait, Director of Communications at Sheffield Wednesday, added: “As a high profile football club and community education provider, our outreach is extensive and we are proud once more to underline the message of SRtRC.”

Sheffield Schools taking part included Hallam, Rivelin and Prince Edward Primary Schools.

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