EURO 2012 captains reaffirm their stance against racismJune 28, 2012 - 11:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final matches in Donetsk and Warsaw see the captains of the national teams of Spain, Portugal, Germany and Italy reaffirm their stance against racism as part of the Respect Diversity – Football Unites campaign at Euro 2012, according to poland2012.net. Football supporters will be a part of the campaign, by joining the fan choreographies organized in the stands at both stadiums and which will see the word RESPECT and the national team flags appear just minutes before kick-off. The Respect Diversity project is implemented by the FARE network, coordinated by the Never Again Association. The initiative, launched at the start of the tournament, has seen two FARE international observers present at every match, up to 2,500 public areas declared as Inclusivity Zones to provide welcoming spaces across Poland and Ukraine, a fanzine in four languages and a tour of Streetkick, a mobile football game with an anti-discrimination message. Over 80,000 police officers and stewards in Poland and Ukraine have also received anti-discrimination training to help them identify and prevent discriminatory chants, symbols and behavior. Rafal Pankowski of the Never Again Association, and coordinator of the FARE program at EURO 2012 said: “As EURO 2012, the biggest sporting event ever held in Eastern and Central Europe, reaches its latter stages we are pleased that the message of anti- discrimination will be centre stage through the Respect Diversity activities. We hope that the whole of Europe can join us in sharing our vision of a society that is free from prejudice and enriched by all of our diversities.” “We also believe that one of the legacies from hosting the EURO here will be a greater understanding of the gravity of intolerance and a renewed commitment, in words and action, to build inclusive progressive societies.” The Respect project at UEFA EURO 2012 involves four main strands – UEFA’s commitment to combat racism (Respect Diversity), increasing and improving access for fans with disabilities (Respect Inclusion), promoting health through physical activity (Respect Your Health), and fostering intercultural dialogue between fans and the host cities (Respect Fan Culture). Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |