Belfast Celtic 1891 - 1949

Anti-Racism World Cup in Belfast
 
 
 
Anti-Racism World Cup in Belfast

An important part of the work of the Belfast Celtic Society is to support worthy causes. Recently the Committee donated £200 towards the staging of this years Anti-Racism World Cup at the Donegal Celtic FC in Belfast from the 16th to the 18th of July. The Anti-Racism World Cup (ARWC) was born in 2007 at a time when Belfast was experiencing an alarming upsurge in racist attacks across the city.

This ground-breaking and innovative idea was the brainchild of several soccer enthusiasts who believed that sport, and soccer in particular would not only bond and unite but cut across race, religion and barriers. For the last three years teams have travelled from across theworld to play against teams from various ethnic minority groups and from local communities in Belfast and across Ireland.

The aim of the ARWC is to build awareness of other cultures and races and dispel the myths, prejudices and stereotypes surrounding people of different religions, backgrounds and races.

For the last three years teams have travelled from across the world to play against teams from various ethnic minority groups and from local communities in Belfast and across Ireland.

Last year's tournament involved over 500 local people and 100 international guests.

 

The ARWC also tries to educate those attending about the Anti-Fascist tradition in Ireland and each year commemorates
the Volunteers of The International Brigades who left Ireland to fight fascism in Spain.

The first tournament was opened by International Brigade veteran the late Bob Doyle. This year the political lecture is on the life of poet Charlie Donnelly from Co Tyrone who was killed in in Spain.

Participants at the 2007event with International Brigades Veteran Bob Doyle (RIP)
The ARWC works to combat racism and sectarianism and to educate people, challenge stereotypes and prejudices and provide a platform where footballers from all around the world can merge in sport where diversity and difference is celebrated and promoted. You can read more on the website or view the promotional video here