The European Commission , UEFA and FARE working together to promote tolerence through languages
In the context of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008, the European Commission, UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) and Football Against Rasicm in Europe (FARE) are launching a joint TV spot highlighting tolerance and the role of languages as bridges between people. The spot shows three groups of football fans caught up in the excitement of a match: regardless of their cultural backgrounds, origins or languages, they all share their love of football and react in the same way in different authentic settings. Millons of TV viewers across Europe and beyond will see the spot since it will be aired during the half-time break throughout the entire season's televised UEFA Champions League football games, as of 16 September. This initiative comes at a time when the Commission is about
European Commissioner for multilingualism Leonard Orban said: “A feeling of common belonging based on linguistic and cultural diversity is a powerful antidote to intolerance. Increasing mutual understanding, multilingualism can significantly contribute to the dialogue between people, be it at school, at work or during free time. As this 30-second TV spot shows, football is a good vehicle for interaction and for learning about other cultures and languages."
“This is the second TV spot that UEFA has co-produced with the European Commission in as many years,” said David Taylor, UEFA General Secretary, “and this is a great way to develop our relationship together. UEFA operates a policy of zero-tolerance in the fight against racism in football, and this new film demonstrates our relentless commitment to the cause.”
(European Commission)