Scotland’s grassroots cricketing community is being urged to get behind a national anti-racism campaign in the sport.
Scotland’s national agency for sport, sportscotland, has linked up with Cricket Scotland and leading anti-racism campaign group, Running Out Racism, to encourage those involved in the sport to take a stand against racism, discrimination and inequalities.
Grassroots players, volunteers, officials and club members are being asked to get behind the campaign, which will see bat stickers sent to all five Scottish regional cricket associations over the coming days.
Regional associations are being asked to distribute these to their clubs and members and promote the campaign using #CallItOut on social media channels across the course of the season.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “There should be no place for racism in cricket. It is vital that we all stand together and make sure that we play our part in running out racism in the sport that so many people love. I am sure that the cricket community will get behind this campaign and take a stand against racism.”
Cricket Scotland will also host a unique webpage recognising clubs and associations that have pledged to support the campaign. Please visit #CallItOut Pledge to show your support for the #CallItOut campaign.
Interim chair of Cricket Scotland, Sue Strachan, said: “Racism, discrimination and inequalities have no place within cricket in Scotland and as an organisation we are committed to changing and improving to ensure this is stamped out. This campaign is an opportunity for clubs and regional associations across Scotland to take a stand and show that racism won’t be tolerated in cricket. Pledge your support and let’s #CallItOut.”
Paul Reddish from the Running Out Racism campaign said: “Racism has no place in cricket. If we are to eradicate it fully it needs a huge commitment from top to bottom, with all individuals and institutions pulling together and doing the work to remove it from our game. This campaign gives the opportunity for clubs and players to visibly demonstrate their commitment to doing their bit in achieving this important goal.”
Launch of the #CallItOut campaign comes as the independent review into racism within Scottish cricket continues. To contribute to the review you can contact the team in complete confidence via cricketreview@sportscotland.org.uk or by completing an online survey which is being collated anonymously and will only be looked at by Plan4Sport.
