The Association for the Development of Costa Rican Black Women and the Union of First Division Clubs (UNAFUT) launched on Sunday, 28 August, for the second consecutive year, the 'Respect: No to racism in football' campaign to raise awareness of discrimination in football.
The five games of the Summer Tournament 2016 were dedicated to the campaign, promoting a debate around the topic ahead of Costa Rica's Black Awareness Day. 'Respect Diversity' messages were displayed on the player's warm-up t-shirts and across the stadiums and forums and presentations featuring Costa Rica sports personalities furthered the discussion.
The deputy for the ruling Citizen Action Party (PAC) and leader of the campaign, Epsy Campbell, told the media that the aim of the initiative is to raise awareness and promote education against racism and discrimination in football stadiums.
"A year ago, we achieved very successful and motivating results. For that reason we decided to continue the campaign to help build a better society; and ensuring a positive atmosphere in stadiums" said Campbell.
In addition, an agreement was signed by the organisers and the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica and the Ministry of Sport to further the commitment of sporting and civil society associations to address the problem.
The agreement is constituted of a series of action points including the organisation of awareness raising activities in stadiums and schools across the country, law revision to further the preventive work of the campaign and the establishment of the campaign as an annual initiative.
Julián Solano y Salvador López, reconocimiento por Día de la persona negra y Cultura Afrocostarricense. #Respeto pic.twitter.com/RiRetDZRc4
— UNAFUT (@UnafutOficial) August 29, 2016
Cartaginés y Belén FC dijeron "No al Racismo" #Respeto pic.twitter.com/qIs3NIJCDp
— UNAFUT (@UnafutOficial) August 28, 2016
Hoy con #Respeto, celebraremos en todos los partidos, el Día de la Persona Negra y la Cultura Afrocostarricense. pic.twitter.com/8rhaE4g9KC
— UNAFUT (@UnafutOficial) August 28, 2016
ASOJUPRO apoya desde un principio la campaña "Respeto: No al racismo en el fútbol". Steven Bryce #Respeto pic.twitter.com/Xym4plIv6O
— UNAFUT (@UnafutOficial) August 25, 2016