WHO INSPIRES YOU…
…to speak up for change?
“As a kid you listen to your athletes, your heroes. And I feel really lucky to be in that position. So you want to use that wisely.”
Thinking back to reflect forward…
A good role model is someone that inspires others to follow their lead. They have a strong sense of right and wrong, caring deeply about others and acting on their needs.
They show that success is possible even through big challenges, and make others feel supported and proud of who they are.
Lots of people can be good role models. From parents and caregivers to stars in the spotlight. Has a musician ever sung about something that you care about? Maybe you felt less alone or inspired to speak up about something that you want to change.
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“With racism, you want to get the message to kids to take that extra second to think twice about saying or doing something.”
When it comes to racism, why are athletes important role models?
Athletes in the spotlight can use their influence and reach to be role models and say no to racism in sports. This is especially powerful in helping younger generations to find their voice early in life to say no to racism.
By speaking up when they see racism – whether in their game or in everyday life – athletes inspire others in sports clubs, families, schools, workplaces and more to follow their lead.
People who are experiencing racism are not always supported by their friends, parents, and teachers. Seeing role models like athletes step up can also help people to know they are not alone and heal.
Pat Cummins & Tim Paine discuss athletes as role models for racism.
“Clearly we don’t want racism in our sport and in society. For us to use our platform as Australian cricketers to make people aware of this – that’s a good thing.”
Shouldn’t athletes just focus on their game?
In Paris, December 2020 at a Champions League soccer game between Istanbul Basaksehir and Paris Saint-Germain, fourth official Sebastian Coltescu made an alleged racist remark about Istanbul Basaksehir coach, Pierre Webo.
In a show of solidarity, players and staff from both teams left the field and didn’t return until the following day – on bended knee. The unprecedented move was widely supported right through to the highest levels of the sport.
It sent a strong message to soccer institutions and fans alike that the behaviour was unacceptable and inexcusable.
Every time that…
a question is asked, like Webo had the courage to do
a stand is taken and supported, like the teams, staff, club leaders and world-wide sporting community and beyond who rallied around Webo
a conversation about racism is started, like those between friends, teammates, families, and workplaces that heard what happened to Webo
personal beliefs are questioned, like those who didn’t realise or don’t agree that it isn’t ok to identify someone by their skin colour
…we’re helping to prevent racism.
All this is made possible through the courage of athletes to use their platform and speak up – and through being supported to do so.
“I have learnt through talking with my teammates and understanding how racism affects them and how I can help.”
Do you want to be an anti-racism role model too?
Great! There’s a lot that you can do. This is true whether you’re a young athlete in a community club or an athlete in the spotlight.
Work out what you understand and believe about racism, and why. Be reflective, curious, and mindful. Talk to your teammates about their experiences. Where possible, decide your position as a team and as a sport.
Help athletes around you to be influential and inspire others, especially younger generations.
And if you do have a platform, recognise your influence, and use it for good.
Finally, speak up if you notice something and question even the smallest details around you. Maybe you’ve seen a poster featuring all white athletes. Ask, ‘why?’