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15 October 2010

The Ulster Council of the GAA, Irish Football Association and Belfast Giants have joined forces to support the Unite against Hate. During the forthcoming weekend, players, managers and fans will endorse the campaign during various games across the country.

Since its launch the Unite against Hate campaign has aimed to raise awareness of hate crime among the general public, draw attention to its negative impact on society, and to promote the benefits of diversity in Northern Ireland.

The Sporting Weekend will be launched by local comedian and the Unite against Hate Ambassador Tim McGarry in Stormont later today (Friday, 15 October).

First Minister Peter Robinson MLA, Junior Minster Gerry Kelly MLA and Justice Minister David Ford MLA will be speaking at the event.

Dr Duncan Morrow, CEO of the Community Relations Council will address audience to acknowledge the powerful tool of sport in the fight against hate crime and its role in development of positive community relations.

Representatives of the Ulster Council of the GAA, Irish Football Association and Belfast Giants will be presented with Unite trophies in recognition of their ongoing support for the Unite against Hate campaign.

Justice Minister David Ford said, “The 'Unite against Hate' Sporting Weekend is a great example of sport bringing communities together.  Sport has the power to unite and break down barriers.

“Delivering safer, shared communities is the responsibility of everyone in society and I commend the sporting organisations involved for their continued commitment to this issue.  Hate crime is wrong and that message must be heard loud and clear.

“I will soon be publishing proposals on how to tackle hate crime as part of the new Community Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland and I would encourage everyone to take their opportunity to shape the debate on how to address the consequences arising from division and segregation.

"I am also about to introduce the Justice Bill to the Assembly, including a new offence against racial, sectarian and indecent chanting at football, rugby and GAA matches."

Duncan Morrow said: “Building a shared society means tackling the malign influences of sectarianism and racism and other forms of hate crime. Sport in recent years has made great efforts to distance itself from the prejudices and violence of our traditional divisions and offers real opportunities to bring people together and unite them for the common good rather than keep them apart. The Community Relations Council supports the Sporting Weekend as a reinforcement of that message.”

Since September 2009 the campaign has been highlighted and endorsed at over 100 events across Northern Ireland.

A host of Northern Ireland celebrities pledged their support to the initiative, including Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol, TV presenter Zoe Salmon, Cool FM’s Pete Snodden, local football and GAA players, Belfast actor and comedian Tim McGarry, singer Peter Corry as well as representatives of the business and diplomatic community.

Over 80,000 Unite against Hate wristbands and 50,000 campaign call cards have been distributed, campaign anthem and call played to the audiences during the football and GAA matches, concerts, community events and festivals.

To support and to find out further details about the campaign and planned events please visit www.uniteagainsthate.org.uk or join the Unite against Hate Facebook page.

For further information and media enquiries please contact:

Eva Grosman

Unite against Hate Project Manager

Tel: 07958241456

E-mail: projectmanager@uniteagainsthate.org.uk