Sports as a mirror of society
Sports should be a space for encounter, self-improvement, and mutual respect. However, racist incidents in stadiums, gyms, and competitions remain far too frequent. Insults, derogatory gestures, and systemic discrimination affect athletes at all levels.
At the Didac Sanchez Foundation, we align with the United Nations principles for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. We believe that sports can and should be an engine of social change.
Manifestations of sports racism
Racism in sports takes multiple forms:
- Insults and chants: Offensive verbal expressions directed at athletes because of their ethnic origin or skin color.
- Institutional discrimination: Barriers in access to opportunities, federation licenses, or management positions.
- Stereotypes: Prejudices that pigeonhole athletes into certain positions or disciplines based on their origin.
- Violence: Physical aggression motivated by racial hatred.
Our initiative: Respect Control
We collaborate with the respectcontrol.org project, a platform dedicated to monitoring, reporting, and preventing racist incidents in sports. Through this initiative:
- We document cases of discrimination to make the problem visible.
- We offer educational resources for clubs, federations, and fans.
- We promote action protocols for racist incidents.
- We support victims of racial discrimination in the sports field.
Education for change
We believe that education is the most powerful tool against racism. That is why we develop workshops and educational materials that promote respect for cultural diversity from an early age.
A collective commitment
Eradicating racism in sports requires everyone's commitment: institutions, clubs, media, fans, and athletes. Every gesture of respect counts. Every report matters. Together we can build a truly inclusive sport.