EFDN Promotes Tenets of Non-Violence

EFDN Promotes Tenets of Non-Violence

The #Morethanfootball Action Weeks campaign run by the European Football for Development Network (EFDN) is today observing the International Day of Non-Violence. Participants are encouraged to join in by highlighting their initiatives relating to the aspirations of the day.

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. According to a United Nations General Assembly resolution establishing the commemoration, the day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness while reaffirming the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.

EFDN implements several programmes that deal with the issues of anti-discrimination, anti-racism and diversity and inclusion.

NOVIS (No Violence In Sport) – the programme aims to address challenges such as violence and intolerance linked to sport events and promote the culture of sport, fair play and teamwork. The overall purpose of the project is to prevent and fight against incidences of violence, racism and any form of intolerance in sports, particularly in youth sport sectors and at amateur level. Project partners held a webinar yesterday to understand what Novis tools are and how to concretely transfer them to a sporting context.

Community Champions League – it is a social street football competition with the aim of promoting social integration through sport. The programme provides the opportunity for people from different cultures to come together to build relationships and friendships while breaking down barriers through the prevention of violence, racism and intolerance in grassroots sports and their communities.

Show Racism the Red Card – it utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. The project aims to raise awareness of diversity, foster social cohesion, and reduce physical and verbal violence linked to racism. The programme includes the education of young people and adults in schools, workplaces and at events held in football stadiums.

How do you contribute to sustainability and climate action? Join us today and highlight your initiatives using #morethanfootball on social media.