New logo launched to help tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport
A new logo to kick homophobia and transphobia out of sport was unveiled by the Home Office today to mark one year since the launch of the Government’s Sports Charter.
The winning logo was selected following a nationwide competition and designed by 10-year-old Anjune Ahmed from Hungerford Primary School, Islington. Her design features a gold medal with a rainbow ribbon.
Anjune beat 70 others to the prize in a competition hosted on Facebook and judged by rugby union star and Sports Charter champion Ben Cohen.
The Charter was launched in March 2011 and commits signatories to work to rid sport of discrimination and abuse against LGB&T people.
It has received remarkable support from the sporting world receiving over 3,300 signatures, including from all Premier League, Championship, League 1 and League 2 football clubs and all Rugby Football League super league teams.
Concrete action
Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said: ‘Since its launch a year ago the Sports Charter has received tremendous support from the sporting world. Over 3,300 individuals and clubs have signed up including many of the top teams in the country, and all have promised to challenge discrimination and abuse wherever it occurs.
‘Signing is of course the first step of a much longer journey and so I now want to see all those signatories turning their commitment into concrete action. I also want to see even more sports fans, clubs and players pledging their support.
‘The new logo launched today will help everyone who loves sport spread the message that homophobic and transphobic abuse and discrimination is never acceptable.’
Rugby union star Ben Cohen helped to shortlist the top six designs which were then put to a public vote on his website and Facebook.
The England Rugby World Cup champion said: ‘I am passionate about standing up against homophobia and making sure sport is a welcoming place for everyone. The winning logo will allow sports fans, players and clubs to clearly show their support for tackling this issue and help unite everyone who loves sport behind this important campaign.’
Equality
Hungerford School Headteacher Brian Bench said: ‘We choose to participate in events such as this because Hungerford is an inclusive school. As such these awards recognise our commitment to equality.
‘Pupils, staff and families at Hungerford are dedicated to celebrating diversity and making sure that every person feels safe, free from any form of bullying and happy within our community.’
The new logo will be used on all campaign materials. Sports clubs, fans and players across the country will be encouraged to use the logo to mark their support through a Twibbons campaign launching today.
The Charter is open to leagues, teams, and individual participants and spectators. You can show your support by ‘liking’ a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lgbtsportcharter