Show Racism the Red Card in Wales

Sport and Politics help launch the Show Racism the Red Card Schools competition in Wales

12 December 2006

Sport and Politics came together to launch the Show Racism the Red Card Schools competition at the National Assembly for Wales on the 4th December 2006.

The event and was headed by the Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills Jane Davidson who addressed the audience and reiterated the importance of schools to enter the competition in Wales.

The Culture and Sports Minister Alan Pugh who was one of the guest speakers also backed the campaign and was delighted the competition was coming to Wales. The Minister also outlined the Welsh Assembly Governments' commitment to tackling the issue of racism and to promoting an anti racist message to all areas of society.

Local school children from Kitchener Primary school attended the launch and were delighted to see Welsh Rugby International's Rhys Williams, Robert Sidoli and Robin Sowden Taylor from Cardiff Blues along with Wales under 21 and Swansea City FC midfielder Owain Tudor Jones at the event.

All the players showed their support for the schools competition and the campaign by participating in a Q & A session taking questions from the school children. They also spent time talking to the children and guests after the event as well as holding an autograph and photo session which proved very popular.

Show Racism the Red Card patron and ex-footballer Gary Bennett was also in attendance, Gary spoke about the school work he does in the North East of England holding anti-racist workshops accompanied by football training and the importance of educating young children at an early age on the issue of racism.

The launch was well attended and included the FAW Secretary General David Collins and Vice President Phil Pritchard, along with the Welsh Premier league Secretary John Deakin and the head of the Sports Council for Wales Phil Carling.

Also in attendance were members of our Wales committee which includes The Sports Council for Wales, Welsh Assembly Government, UNISON, FAW and FAW Football in the Community, along with Teaching Unions, Local Councils and Schools, WCVA and the Commission for Racial Equality.

Show Racism the Red Card would like to thank the Ministers and the players who helped us launch our competition. We would also like to thank everyone who attended and we look forward to working together, to 'show racism the red card.'

Download the Schools Competition registration form and rules as a Word document or a pdf .

More information on the Schools Competition available by emailing sunil@fawtrust.org.uk.