Creative Competition Awards 2011

Hundreds of young people were joined by some stars from the world of sport at the Show Racism the Red Card Creative Competition Awards at the AVIVA stadium today.Minister for Equality Kathleen Lynch TD participated in a panel and took questions from some of the young people who attended from over 20 schools and youth services across Ireland.She took part alongside football pundit Eamon Dunphy, rugby legend Denis Hickie, RTE Children’s Presenter Diana Bunici, Dublin’s Phil Mc Mahon and took question on the topic of racism in Ireland from some of the young people from 20 schools and youth services.Over 80 schools & youth services from all around Ireland, were involved in our latest competition. Over 500 attended today’s event.The Creative Competition includes written, visual, and audiovisual pieces from schools all over the country promoting the Show Racism the Red Card message and worked hard on their entries and this day is the culmination of their efforts.The judges panel included RTE Moldovan born Children’s TV presenter Diana Bunici, Newstalk presenter Dil Wickremsinghe, Irish Times Opinion Editor Peter Murtagh, Teachers Union of Ireland Bernie Ruane, President INTO Jim Higgins and artist Brian Maguire.The winning entry came from Blakestown Community School which involved creating a mural for their school as well as a programme of activity throughout the year which resulted in a World Cup tournament based on the nationalities of the school, an international cookbook also based on the school’s diversity and a great song.Schools and youth services responded to the call for entries using written, visual and audio-visual means to promoting the anti-racism message.Among the runners up were St Dominics National School, Tallaght who produced a song ‘See past my eyes’ with their teacher leading on guitar.  Their teachers is  also local councillor Dermot Looney.Other runner up entrants included:Kilcolgan Educate Together National School, Galway- film, song and magazineSt Raphael’s Girls National School, Ballyfermot- ‘Katie the striped puppet’Trinity Comprehensive, Ballymun- School gym muralSt Michael’s National School, Barrington Street, Limerick- film entry ‘Lord Chok’s Ship’Navan Youthreach Progression- song and artwork entryChairman of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign ex-Ireland rugby legend Denis Hickie said: ‘Diversity is a reality for Ireland and nowhere more so that in our education system.  Unfortunately so too is racism.  There is evidence that  racist abuse has serious negative impacts on children leading to depression, disaffection and health problems.  In the Show Racism the Red Card DVD , one girl talks about regretting being black.  No one should feel like that.  The Teachers Union of Ireland highlighted the issue in 2010, when they found that 45% of teachers had witnessed racism in the classroom.However the role of sport and its top stars in leading the campaign with Show Racism the Red Card has proven to be highly effective in challenging attitudes and supporting an inclusive environment not only in education but in our communities as well’.Co-ordinator for Show Racism the Red Card Garrett Mullan said:  ‘There is growing interest in this campaign and today’s presentation is a tribute to the work of young people around Ireland in promoting a positive anti-racism message in a positive way.The winning entry came from Blakestown Community School in Dublin 15.  This was a practical demonstration that the benefits of having people from many nationalities at school together brings.  In their project, young people learned about each other’s countries and were introduced to new foods through their activity’.Eight special commendations were also presented at the ceremony in the Aviva Stadium to:St Patrick’s National School, Carndonagh, Co DonegalSt Eunans Natinoal School, Raphoe, Co DonegalBradog Youth Service, Dublin 1Mary Immaculate Community College, Dunmanway, Co CorkWicklow Travellers Youth GroupLifford YouthreachDonahies Community SchoolSt Declans College CabraSome of the entries  are up online at www.youtube.ie/theredcardireA gallery is being compiled and will be online shortly at www.theredcard.ie/gallery.php

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