#SRtRCSpotlight: Show Racism the Red Card Celebrates 30 Years at Cardiff City Stadium

Show Racism the Red Card celebrated a huge milestone in the charity’s history as supporters, partners, sporting figures and friends of the charity came together at Cardiff City Stadium to mark our 30th Anniversary. 

The evening provided an opportunity to celebrate three decades of education, campaigning and challenging racism across sport and society, while recognising the many people and organisations who have supported the campaign since it began in 1996. 

From those early days, Show Racism the Red Card has grown into one of the UK’s leading anti-racism education charities, working with young people, schools, workplaces, communities and sporting organisations across the country. 

The evening began with a special video message from Show Racism the Red Card’s Honorary President, Shaka Hislop, before Welsh rugby star Ashton Hewitt welcomed guests and officially got the 30th Anniversary celebrations underway. 

Ashton, who hosted the evening, has been a strong voice in challenging racism and discrimination both within sport and wider society. 

Sport has always played a huge part in the work of Show Racism the Red Card. Professional athletes and sporting role models have helped us start important conversations, share experiences and give young people the confidence to recognise and challenge racism. 

We were also delighted to welcome former Cymru international Danny Gabbidon and former England and Liverpool star John Barnes as guest speakers, alongside FAW Equalities lead and former SRtRC staffer, Jason Webber. 

Chief Executive of Show Racism the Red Card, Ged Grebby shared:

“Absolutely amazing event at Cardiff City for Show Racism the Red Card’s 30th Anniversary. A huge thank you to the club, to our exceptional speakers, including John Barnes and Danny Gabbidon, and all our supporters who attended. Hearing our speakers talk about the importance of anti-racism was empowering and a lovely reminder of why anti-racism education matters. A massive well done to our team in Wales – not only for organising the event but for all the work they have accomplished over the last 30 years across Wales.”

All spoke openly about racism, football and their own experiences, reflecting on how things have changed over the last 30 years while also making clear why the work to challenge racism must continue. 

The evening wasn’t only about looking back. It was also a celebration of everything that has been achieved, and Welsh comedian Leroy Brito made sure there were plenty of laughs along the way. 

For three decades, Show Racism the Red Card has worked directly with children and young people, educators, workplaces, sporting organisations and communities to challenge racism through education. 

Dean Pymble, Campaign Manager for Wales, said: 

“Here in Wales, that work continues every day. Our education team works across the country, giving young people and adults the knowledge and confidence to recognise racism, understand the impact it can have and know how they can challenge it. 

The 30th Anniversary Dinner gave us an opportunity to celebrate that work, recognise the people who have helped us along the way and look ahead to what still needs to be done.”

Whether it is professional players speaking honestly about their experiences, clubs supporting our campaigns or sporting organisations helping us reach new audiences, sport continues to give us a powerful platform to bring people together and challenge discrimination. 

Thirty years is something we are incredibly proud to celebrate, but we also know there is still plenty of work to do. 

Racism has not disappeared, and education remains one of the most important tools we have to challenge prejudice, misinformation and discrimination before they become accepted or normalised. 

Show Racism the Red Card will continue working with schools, communities, sporting organisations and partners across Wales, educating young people, challenging discrimination and empowering people to stand together against racism. 

Closing remarks on the night were delivered by SRtRC Wales Advisory Board member, Jenine Abdo, bringing a memorable evening at Cardiff City Stadium to an end. 

“30 years-what an incredible achievement for a charity and that is exactly what was celebrated on Friday. Whilst the mood was celebratory, the core of the night was one to highlight the challenges we as a society still face when dealing with racism and discrimination. I was honoured and humbled to be asked to provide the closing remarks for the event and it was just that [challenges we still face today] which was highlighted. Huge congratulations to Dean and the Wales team for such a successful night!” 

Most importantly, the evening was about the people who have made the last 30 years possible. 

From our educators and staff to professional athletes, schools, funders, partners, volunteers and supporters, thousands of people have played their part in the Show Racism the Red Card story. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Cardiff City Stadium and to everyone who has supported the campaign over the last three decades. 

Show Racism the Red Card would also like to thank our event partners University of South Wales, Thompsons Solicitors, Cardiff University, TUC, S4C and Principality for helping to make the evening possible. 

Their continued support and commitment to tackling racism is hugely appreciated, and we are incredibly grateful to have them alongside us as we continue our work to challenge racism and create positive change.