Racism still casts a long shadow on football as EURO 2008 approaches, the Council of Europe is organising – together with Europa-Park – a meeting of young people, experts and government representatives to discuss the prevention of racism in the world of sport.
Representatives of governments and experts from several countries will meet on 8-10 April. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) will participate in their working sessions. At the same time, a training programme for young people will take place (6-10 April) at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany.
Part of the Council of Europe’s Youth Campaign "All Different-All Equal", the event will also be marked by an opening ceremony at Europa-Park Superior Hotel Colosseo, Raum La Scala at 11 a.m. on Monday, 7 April, which is open to the press. All press requests must be preceded by accreditation – contact the Council of Europe or Europa-Park press services for more information.
Together with the Football against Racism Network (FARE), the Council of Europe Youth and Sport Directorate has prepared workshops and seminars on best practices to be developed and on the fight against violence and discrimination. The aim is to sensitise young people and governments ahead of EURO 2008.
Synergy with organisations like UEFA make a greater impact on efforts to fight fan racism, said Patrick Gasser, the UEFA official responsible for football and social responsibility, who will take part in the fan camp. "The most effective way in the stands to reduce or stop discriminative behaviour is when fellow spectators/fans react when some start chantingmonkey noises or to throw banana peels, etc," said Gasser.