As part of the International Weeks against Racism, FC Bayern is implementing the 'A Voice for Diversity' project this year. After the successful launch at the first team's 8-1 win over Mainz at the Allianz Arena, people from the 'buntkicktgut' initiative will now also support the FC Bayern basketball team at the EuroLeague game against Zalgiris Kaunas on Friday and the following day at the women's home game against Leipzig at the FC Bayern Campus by reading out the respective team line-ups, showing that every voice counts and that diversity enriches our society.
Herbert Hainer, president of FC Bayern: "The 'A Voice for Diversity' campaign got off to a great start with our 8-1 win against Mainz in the Allianz Arena, and now we're looking forward to continuing it. In order to stand up for diversity and the values of our society, we need a common, loud voice – and mutual understanding. Everyone can and must play their part. Diversity enriches."
Marko Pesic, managing director of FC Bayern Basketball: "Basketball and sport in general show fans time and again how people from different cultural backgrounds can grow into teams and overcome all challenges together. We're really pleased about this campaign as part of 'Red against Racism'. There's zero space for marginalisation in our world."
Bianca Rech, head of women's football: "Sport, like life, is diverse – and that's a good thing! Our female players are role models, who want to inspire and show that there should be no limits, neither on or off the field. The people from 'buntkicktgut' stand for that too, and so we're very pleased about this special collaboration, also with our fans at the FC Bayern Campus."
Rüdiger Heid, founder of 'buntkicktgut': "With this interplay between its 'Red against Racism' and 'buntkicktgut' initiatives, FC Bayern is once again showing how seriously it takes its social responsibility. 'A Voice for Diversity' gives people the chance to be recognised who normally aren't heard in this way, but who have found their place at the heart of our society in impressive and often bumpy ways. They are representative of how there is room for development and diversity for everyone in an open society."
A successful start for the 'A Voice for Diversity' project at the Bundesliga home game against Mainz 05:
The campaign, which ties into FC Bayern's 'Red against Racism' initiative, involves people with a migration background who have inspiring stories to tell about their personal lives and the topic of integration. Together with the spectators, the club wants to loudly advocate for enriching diversity and the rights and opportunities of all people.
As in previous years, the FC Bayern teams are sending out reinforced, visible signals of cosmopolitanism during the International Weeks against Racism, for example with warm-up shirts, captain's armbands, corner flags and banners. Since the initiative was founded in March 2020, the proceeds from the purchase of all products from the 'Red against Racism' collection in the FC Bayern store (online store) have been donated to organisations that promote diversity.
'buntkicktgut' has been campaigning against discrimination, marginalisation and hate for over 25 years. The organisation uses sport to make diversity tangible, visible and lively in intercultural street football leagues with children and young people and their partners. In addition, structures are now also being established in basketball - among other things, the initiative operates and coordinates the free use of Munich's highest sports ground on the "Bellevue di Monaco", where football and basketball can be played. The rooftop sports ground was inaugurated in October 2020 together with FC Bayern basketball players, FC Bayern Women and 'buntkicktgut'.
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