Dear Friends,
I am an avid football (soccer) fan and over the last month set myself to watching almost every game of the European Championships, charting England’s journey through the tournament with absolute joy. England lost at the final hurdle and football did not ‘come home’. I have been left distraught but it isn’t the defeat that has left me so upset. It is the ugly, racist aftermath. This England squad went in to this tournament with a selfless, shared sense of purpose and unity that was captured in their exemplary behavior both on and off the field. Unfortunately, as the team fell at the last hurdle, so-called fans seemed to lose much more than just the match. They lost their senses, their respect for what the team stood for, and most of all, their humanity. For everything that football can do, “to tackle all forms of discrimination – on and off-the-pitch”, the glory of what was a wonderful demonstration of strength through diversity was lost.
Last week, I had the opportunity to deliver a training workshop that focused on asking each member of my team to reflect on their behaviours and look closely at the mindset with which they have approached their work.
As I still sit and reflect on the aftermath of the Cup Final, I think about the mindset of those that have hurled such disgusting insults at these young players who were brave in their attempt to represent their country. What is it that makes them react this way?
I feel it is important for me to state the obvious: there is no room for this behaviour – not in sport and not anywhere.
Those that have participated in any such activity should be identified and punished. But we also know that racism persists; all we have ever ended up doing is asking these people to “crawl back under the rocks”. The hate and prejudice remains and evades destruction. If we want to foster inclusion on any grounds, we can’t just focus on punishing bad behaviour, we have to invest in promoting inclusive behaviour. We need proactive action to foster not only tolerance but more positive attitudes and an inclusive mindset.
In my view, Special Olympics does this. We use sport to bring people together and to find ways to celebrate difference. We create an environment that makes people eager to be mindful of others and for everyone to see the very clear benefits and rewards of that approach.
In this month’s newsletter, we celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of our founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver #EKS100. Mrs Shriver’s vision of a world where we focus on people’s abilities rather than any disabilities, where we celebrate difference rather than shrink from it is as relevant today as it was 53 years ago when she challenged the world to acknowledge people with intellectual disabilities at the first ever Special Olympics Games.
Today we also launch our latest campaign #WalkforInclusion focusing on Young Athletes.
For every large milestone we hit, may we also celebrate the many small milestones. For every step forward we take, brings us close to a world we are proud to be in – one that celebrates every life and our humanity.
May we continue to change the game and we hope you enjoy the read.
Yours Sincerely,
Dipak Natali
President & Managing Director
Special Olympics Asia Pacific