EuroLeague players unite to say #NotInOurWorld

EuroLeague players unite to say #NotInOurWorld

EuroLeague players will have the opportunity to start the new 2020-21 season by making their voices heard on the important social issues that are affecting millions of people around the world.

Euroleague Basketball and the EuroLeague Players Association (ELPA) have developed a joint campaign to stand against racism and to challenge discrimination of any kind, following on their efforts to bring awareness to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goal number 10, which stands for reduced inequalities.

The campaign, called Not In Our World, is based on the following pillars, shared by both organizations:

Fighting against racism.
Fighting against discrimination.
Fighting against inequality.
Fighting against intolerance.

EuroLeague players will be given the spotlight that comes with the start of the new season for the purpose of sending messages that help expand public awareness to foster respect and equality.

They will be able to fulfill that purpose by deciding together on social justice messages to be worn on team t-shirts during the warmup periods of all games from Rounds 1 to 4 of the regular season.

Players may also decide individually on messages to be worn on their game jerseys in place of their own names during all games in Round 3 and Round 4.

Players, clubs, Euroleague Basketball and the ELPA will cooperate to make sure that the messages reach the court and are seen by all spectators.

“The need to raise all our voices to promote tolerance has never been greater,” Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball President and CEO said. “We are proud to stand as one – players, clubs, Euroleague Basketball and the ELPA – in sending a message of common humanity here at the start of this important season, when so many people are looking for such examples of positivity and unity.”

“During our conversations last season and preseason team meetings, our players have expressed the need to raise awareness about the four social issues covered in this campaign. The much-anticipated start of the EuroLeague gives this campaign a great spotlight, with one of the main goals being to bring change in basketball communities and beyond,” Bostjan Nachbar, ELPA Managing Director, said. “We are proud to see our players step up for such an important topic, especially because many of them genuinely care about current social justice issues that affect many people in different parts of the world.”