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From a centre-circle banner at the Allianz Arena to activity stands at FC Bayern Women’s and basketball games, a workshop for members of the ‘PACK MA’S’ volunteer programme, and an auction of exclusive worn pre-match shirts for a good cause: This year, the German champions have once again planned a range of different campaign events through their “Red Against Racism” initiative as part of the International Weeks Against Racism, which begin today, to raise awareness of diversity, respect and coexistence without discrimination – both on and off the pitch.
FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer: “Respect, diversity and open-mindedness should not just be buzzwords, but should shape the way we live together and our daily lives. Discrimination of any kind has absolutely no place in our society. For us at FC Bayern, ‘Red Against Racism’ means actively getting involved.”
This year's campaign kicks off with FC Bayern Basketball’s game against Dubai Basketball on Thursday. Ahead of tip-off, Andreas Obst and his teammates will gather for a team photo behind a 'Red Against Racism' banner, whilst mascot Ben and the MCA Dancers will wear themed T-shirts. There will also be an information stand featuring the diversity quiz developed specifically by the initiative. At the home match of head coach Vincent Kompany’s side against Union Berlin two days later, FC Bayern will, as in previous years, raise awareness of the issue of racism under the German Football League (DFL)’s “TOGETHER” motto, with a centre-circle banner, captain’s armbands and corner flags, as well as a team photo. The campaign will be rounded off at FC Bayern Women’s home game against 1. FC Nürnberg on 28 March at the FC Bayern Campus. Alongside banners, captain’s armbands, corner flags and the information stand, the 'Coffee with a Jew' meet-and-chat format will also be promoted there to encourage dialogue on anti-Semitism. All FCB players, both in football and basketball, will once again wear special pre-match shirts bearing the 'Red Against Racism' slogan on their campaign matchdays, with some shirts being autographed afterwards to be auctioned off once again for a good cause.
A particular highlight this year will be the 'Together Against Racism' workshop, which will bring together volunteers from the FCB ‘PACK MA’S’ community programme, members of the sports departments and of the German record champions' staff to focus on the issue of everyday racism. At the away match at St. Pauli, another workshop will take place for members of both clubs, in conjunction with representatives of the Hamburg-based Bundesliga side. Last year, the two clubs already organised a joint workshop attended by presidents Herbert Hainer and Oke Göttlich, which took place at the FC Bayern Campus – now the return leg will be held at St. Pauli.
All you need to know about the 'Red Against Racism' initiative:
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