Edinburgh rugby player raises funds for inclusiveness for Black and Asian communities
Callum Bell attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Glasgow earlier this year and since then he has campaigned to raise funds for the cause.As Black History Month continues during October, Callum says that all proceeds will go towards gaining qualifications for the aforementioned communities as well as to raise funds for engagement and taster sessions with clubs and schools across Scotland.The campaign has been dubbed ‘Rugby Against Racism’ and is aimed at making the game more inclusive in Scotland.
Callum said: ‘‘It was powerful to see people coming together at the Black Lives Matter protest, to listen and learn from other people and show support.
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Hide Ad‘‘I think it was the catalyst for me to do something. It made me think that I haven’t played rugby with a lot of people from the BAME community.’’
Richmond RFC player Aaron Purewal and Edinburgh Rugby player Murray McCallum are also ambassadors of the campaign.
Windrush campaigner and founder of 100 Great Black Britons, Patrick Vernon OBE and CEMVO Scotland, a national intermediary organisation and strategic partner of the Scottish Government Equality Unit and Scottish Rugby have both expressed support for the project.
Callum added: ‘‘I had never spoken to Aaron about his race and racism before. He is more outspoken about it now. You should be able to speak with your teammates about anything.“‘If you want to do anything you have to start in your own circles; it is a simple way for players to show their support.’’