Three deep breaths, then it could begin. Fifteen-year-old Mermoz again took on the number 1: as with the line-up announcement at the men’s 8-1 win against Mainz at the Allianz Arena, it was down to him as the first of the ‘buntkicktgut’ delegation to commence the presentation of the teams before FC Bayern Women’s 5-0 victory against RB Leipzig. Like the others, he did his job with cool and confidence. Together with the street football initiative, FC Bayern sent out three loud signals for open-mindedness through its ‘A Voice for Diversity’ campaign during the International Weeks against Racism. The kids from ‘buntkicktgut’ also helped announcer Thomas Kilian to read out the players’ names at FC Bayern Basketball’s win over Kaunas on Friday at BMW Park.
The campaign, in conjunction with the FCB ‘Red against Racism’ initiative, gave a total of 21 people of immigrant backgrounds from 17 different countries, ranging from Brazil and Portugal to Togo, Vietnam and the Philippines, the opportunity to draw attention to themselves and their inspiring life stories in front of a large audience – because they all represent successful integration. “We wanted to demonstrate that diversity enriches our society, and what a powerful voice we all have when we stand up for our beliefs together,” said president Herbert Hainer about the campaign, which united the girls and boys from ‘buntkicktgut’ with the fans in the stands in one joint voice.
Allianz Arena, FC Bayern Campus, BMW Park
Whether it was at the Allianz Arena, at the women’s match or in the basketball hall – the positive echo was massive. “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,“ said Marko Pesic, managing director of FC Bayern Basketball. “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 at FCB, added: “For us as FC Bayern Women, it’s important to exemplify diversity and to do that every day. With this campaign we’re showing the diversity of our society – we’re very pleased about it. We all want to be role models who embody a clear stance.”
Rüdiger Heid, founder of 'buntkicktgut', also gave a satisfied review: This was once more a perfect interplay between FC Bayern and ‘buntkicktgut’: great matches and one-off experiences, in which there were only winners. ‘A Voice for Diversity’ is a campaign that creates role models to show how important and strong an open society is. We have been experiencing this at 'buntkicktgut' for over 25 years, how the boys and girls in our intercultural street football leagues find their own way when everyone sticks together. Diversity and curiosity strengthen us all, open barriers and broaden horizons.”
As in previous years, the FC Bayern teams sent out reinforced, visible signals for open-mindedness during the International Weeks against Racism, for example with warm-up shirts, captain's armbands, corner flags or 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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