Fight Racism: Every gesture counts

On International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, AS Roma is strengthening and affirming its commitment to fight discrimination and prejudice wherever it may appear.

The Giallorossi are proud to actively support this year’s initiatives from both Serie A and the United Nations, as we all unite to combat racism and inequality.

First-team players including Andressa Alves, Stephan El Shaarawy, Chris Smalling and Pedro Rodriguez have all featured in the club’s new video, which shares the UN’s ‘Fight Racism’ message.

The video was made with support and consultation from the Fare network, the international umbrella organisation that aims to combat inequality in football and use the sport as a means for social change.

The overall message is clear: that all our actions count, that every stand we make can make a difference, and that the things we do today can be the start of what we become tomorrow.

However, the club’s work with Fare does not stop there: the two partners will work together to produce a range of educational resources that the club will then take into schools around Rome – with the aim of educating and encouraging the next generation.

“As a club Roma is also a social institution and, as a result, has a duty to actively involve itself in the fight against racism,” said Guido Fienga, CEO of AS Roma.

“For this reason we will continue to work alongside the various institutions to implement programs within the city’s schools that will raise awareness among the next generation of the scourge of racism.”

Piara Power, Executive Director of the Fare network, added: “We are pleased that AS Roma are making their contribution to tackle racism in Italian football and to explore the value of diversity in modern Italy.

“I appreciate their focus on connecting to the local community which is central to the identity of the club and their future.

“We see that education within schools is a part of what AS Roma are focusing on and agree that it is a critical part of bringing about change.

“The way in which we see and address the future through young people is the way in which we can ensure that we are all valued and can create a diverse and inclusive future.”

Thanks to support from the city’s Department for Citizens, Schools and Community, schools covering all age groups will have the opportunity to be involved in the initiative.

“This collaboration with Roma Cares, involving primary, secondary and high schools throughout the city, is another important element to add to this administration’s efforts to fight racism and discrimination in all its guises,” said Veronica Mammi, head of the department.

“Given the delicate period we are in as a result of the ongoing pandemic, it is especially vital that we continue to maintain the number of shared initiatives, in both schools and local communities, for our young people - initiatives that play such an important role in their growth and maturation into upstanding citizens.”