Record participation in the fairplay action weeks 2024!

On October 31, the fairplay action weeks came to an end with activities in four sports and at over 150 clubs. Somehow, when planning with the Austrian Football Association and the Austrian Football League, we had guessed that more campaign material would be needed this time and therefore ordered three times as many banners, textile banners and campaign cards. And yet we were still sweating over the delivery! Over 150 clubs with 180 teams supported the fairplay action weeks this year under the motto “Violence is not a game!”

The clubs took part in a variety of ways: our campaign materials were used to carry out actions on match days, the spokespeople informed fans on the sports fields, halls and stadiums, graphics and videos were shown on Vidiwalls, our LED graphics were played on the digital advertising boards, texts were shared on websites, the banners were sent on to the next club, and - they still exist - the fairplay action weeks were also written about in printed match magazines. Associations, leagues, referees, TV stations - everyone helped to give the campaigns visibility and attention.

The social media channels were buzzing! Photos, graphics, videos and statements were posted, liked and shared! The posts are easy to find under the hashtags #fairplayaktionswochen #keinspiel #schaunichtzu #keinegewalt.

The fairplay initiative team says THANK YOU!

From October 1 to 31, 2024, sports clubs and initiatives in Austria were invited to take part in the fairplay action weeks and stand up together against violence, sexism and hate. This year, the annual campaign had a new design and a new theme: violence against women and people perceived as women. "We must not forget that the breeding ground for violence lies in sexist prejudices and the devaluation of girls and women. We still have a lot to do in sport to stand up for equality,” says Niki Staritz from the fairplay initiative. It is therefore up to all of us to recognize, address and prevent violence. Because violence is not a game. Neither on the sports field nor anywhere else.

FAVAC coach Dozhghar Kadir also confirmed this after the fairplay campaign at the match against Wiener Sport-Club: "You can't change the entire world. But if you simply go through life being vigilant, recognizing violence in any form and then being prepared to act - then you've already achieved an incredible amount."

Four sports involved for the first time

While soccer was the main sport in previous years, 2023 saw the first isolated events and a major conference in martial arts. This year, basketball was included as a new sport. The Austrian Basketball Association, the Superliga and more than ten clubs officially support the fairplay action weeks. The large number of high-profile activities also caught the attention of the Austrian American Football Association - yeah!

Video campaign – #Schaunichtzu

Speaking out together against violence and sexism and not watching: the ÖFB Women's Bundesliga showed how it's done at Media Day and launched the #Schaunichtzu video campaign. Clubs and initiatives are called upon to follow suit. On November 25, we will publish a video with all contributions.

Follow the initiative of SK Rapid Wien, SCR Altach, the women's team of LUV Graz, SC Gradisce, Austria 11 Rapid Oberlaa, SV Franckviertel Linz, FC Südburgenland/TSV Hartberg, Traiskirchen Lions, BK Duchess Klosterneuburg, KBV Weinold and others!

Shortly before their top match against FK Austria Wien on October 31, SKN St. Pölten captain Jennifer Klein sent us a video that she and her teammates had made.

You can also send us videos to fairplay [AT] vidc [DOT] org until November 20.

Highlights

It is not easy to pick out highlights from the multitude of diverse activities. And it also does not do justice to the great commitment of smaller clubs with few resources.

A fixture since 2001

The fairplay Action Weeks for Diversity in Football have been held annually in October since 2001 and are organized by fairplay - Initiative for Diversity and Anti-Discrimination. They are carried out in cooperation with the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) and the Austrian Football League. They are made possible by the City of Vienna and the Ministry of Sport (BMKÖS).

All information, opportunities to take part and tips for training courses & workshops can be found here: fairplay action weeks 2024