It began as a simple human reaction to the wrong of racist abuse against Irish sporting stars, and now the idea of the Book of Support is gaining real traction.
The simple idea was to provide a way for ordinary people to let 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.
Books of Support are popping up at sporting organisations around the country.
Yesterday I dropped in at Croke Park and signed the book there alongside GAA President Jarlath Burns and Commercial Director Peter McKenna who sparked the idea after reading our piece on Monday morning.
Hundreds of names have already been entered in the book by people entering and leaving the stadium.
It is a similar story at the IRFU, where the book is open at their HQ on Lansdowne Road, and at the FAI, where it is open in reception at Abbottstown on the Sport Ireland Campus.
This evening, at Leopardstown, a book will be available for people attending the racing and music concerts there.
Messages of support have come in from Sport Ireland, Athletics Ireland, the League of Ireland and many more.
There is no central campaign; it is just a way that sporting bodies and perhaps businesses involved in sports can do something to let our athletes know that the voice of Irish sport is welcoming and will not be drowned out by those who can only see the difference as negative.
Books might stay open for a week or a month. They might be signed by thousands or by only one or two.
By way of a message to sit beside them, it could be something like:
“This book expresses your support for all athletes who represent Ireland across the sporting spectrum, regardless of their colour or creed, how they choose to live their lives or represent the many different ways that make up our diverse and inclusive modern Ireland.
Your name and message will not be used for any purpose other than to express your support. Thank you for your support”.
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.
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The GAA, IRFU, FAI, SARI and Leopardstown Racecourse are among the 300 organisations, which include all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, that are members of the Sport for Business community.
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