Great Britain’s home nations have supported the ‘Stick It To Racism’ campaign.
GB Hockey is the first to ‘outwardly show support’ in backing the campaign, with both men and women in action in the Pro League this week.
“There is no place for racism in our sport or in society,” GB Hockey said in a statement.
“Moving forwards we commit to continuing and furthering our learning, both individually and collectively, and supporting the governing bodies with their ongoing inclusion and diversity work. Hockey is a sport where everyone should feel like they are valued and belong.
“One of the women’s squad’s values is ‘We Are One,’ and the men’s squad’s values are underpinned by the concept of ‘Uniting.’ We therefore stand together, and alongside our national governing bodies, the ‘Hockey Family’ and wider society to fight against all forms of discrimination.”
Back in August, several hockey clubs said there was an “endemic race issue” within the sport in England.
The letter, signed by nine clubs, accused England Hockey of “bias” against BAME players while Gurmej Singh Pawar, Barford Tigers’ chairman, wrote that it is “out of touch with modern-day Britain”.
England Hockey said in a statement at the the time: “Our aspiration is for hockey to remain at the forefront of British team sports as a force for good in diversity and inclusion, with regards to race, gender, sexuality, disability and age.”
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