There was a significant reaction from across the Irish sporting community to yesterday’s piece condemning the racist reaction which Rhasidat Adeleke had experienced despite bringing such joy through her athletics performances over the past month.

QUESTIONS OF RACE AND HOW TO ADDRESS THE HATRED

There was a common feeling of frustration that voices unrepresentative of the Irish population were being allowed to intrude upon a narrative that should be so positive.

So, what can we do to let her and every athlete who represents us know that we support them for who they are and what they do, regardless of whether they fit into the narrow stereotype some have of what it is to be Irish?

Well, sometimes, it is in the simplest of acts that the greatest support can come.

At 12 noon today, a ‘Book of Support’ will be placed at the entrance to Croke Park Stadium, where people can go to express their support of all our athletes.

We open Books of Condolence to celebrate our heroes when they die. This will be an opportunity for anyone who wants to celebrate the living and add their voice to the groundswell of support that will not be shouted down by those who see the world through negativity and a reductive view of what it means to be human.

This is not a campaign but merely an opportunity for any sporting body or club to join in and allow the voice of sporting fans to be amplified for those who compete for our country, our clubs, our county, our teams, and our community.

Already we have confirmation that Leopardstown Racecourse will have a Book of Support at the next race meeting at the popular Dublin venue this Thursday.

Others will follow in whatever way they can.

If you want to do something within your sport or your club, you don’t need to ask permission from some higher authority; just do what you feel is appropriate.

There is no ambition for this other than to do something that lets our athletes know that they are appreciated and supported in what they do, bringing positivity to our lives and our society.

Sometimes the whisper of the majority needs to be heard to drown out the errant shouts of those who would otherwise claim to speak in our name.

If you want to lend your support in any way let us know about what you are doing to rob@sportforbusiness.com.

 

Sport for Business will host its Annual Sport for Social Good Conference on Thursday, October 24th. This is one of many events planned for the remainder of 2024.

Register your interest to attend a Sport for Business event here.

 

The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations including all the leading sports and sponsors, commercial and state agencies. 

Find out more about joining us today.

 

Check out our upcoming events to discover ways of connecting in person with our membership.