Herbert Hainer: “Diversity enriches every community”

Ahead of the press conference for the sixth edition of the 'Giro di Monaco', Jovana Damnjanović tossed a ball to Herbert Hainer on Kurt-Landauer-Platz, high above the rooftops of Munich: “Let’s shoot a few baskets,” said the FC Bayern Women striker – basketball as a warm-up, with the president and a footballer: a lovely image of just how diverse sport can be. The German champions are once again supporting this year’s charity run organised by the 'Bellevue di Monaco' community centre, where participants will be running laps on Munich’s Altstadtring from 10 am on 17 May to raise funds for refugees. Last year, over 10,000 Munich residents took part, and the fundraising target of €125,000 was reached.

In the presence of the new Lord Mayor and patron Dominik Krause, Hainer explained why FC Bayern has been supporting the Giro for many years through its 'Red Against Racism' initiative: “It's remarkable and unprecedented how ‘Bellevue di Monaco’ and Till Hofmann are making a significant contribution to the city’s community – and, above all, championing openness, tolerance and diversity. Our club, too, strongly upholds these values.” When the club organises workshops or visits schools as part of ‘Red Against Racism’, the president said, “we often go through our team line-ups. Then we remove everyone from the starting XI who comes from a migratory background. Suddenly, we’re missing the likes of Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Dayot Upamecano, basketball’s Vladimir Lucic – or even Jovana Damnjanović, even though she’s lived in Germany for 13 years.” It quickly becomes clear, he says, “just how isolated we would be – and what state a team would be in without diversity.”

In a team like that, "nothing would work to bridge the gap to the Giro,” said Hainer: “Diversity enriches every community. That is why we at FC Bayern repeatedly and emphatically say to all those seeking to divide our society: those who exclude others will lose – in sport as in life. Many thanks to everyone who is actively promoting diversity at the ‘Giro di Monaco’!” Damnjanović added: “The ‘Giro’ is a fantastic event, and our club stands against discrimination of any kind – I’m proud that our club is so committed to this cause.” In a team, different cultures come together to form a unit – “and that’s how society should be too. I hope everyone taking part has the stamina to see this good cause through to the end!”

As in previous years, FC Bayern will be taking part in the run under the ‘Red Against Racism’ banner; in addition, over 70 members of the basketball team’s staff will be running, as will partners of the ‘Red Giants’ such as Telekom, freelance.de, Autobus Oberbayern and Leonardo Hotels. The FCB team will also be bolstered by six athletes from the 'Iguanas' wheelchair basketball team. The Altstadtring will be closed for the run; times will not be recorded and everyone is welcome, from serious runners to amateur athletes.  For information and registration, visit https://giro-di-monaco.de/.

President Herbert Hainer visited the Montagskicker for a group lunch: