Heather Small to bring #UnitedAgainstRacism message to the races
Soul diva and M People lead singer Heather Small is bringing the #UnitedAgainstRacism social action campaign to the races as part of the new William Hill Racing League fixtures taking place at ARC racecourses.
Heather will be at Lingfield Park on Thursday 12 August to highlight the work of Take The Reins (TTR), a sports-based organisation working in and around racing and the work it is doing with The Rio Ferdinand Foundation (RFF) to support and deliver positive outcomes for young people. In addition, she will perform live after racing.
Heather said she was delighted to bring the campaign to a racing audience. “As the Music Ambassador for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation I am delighted to be participating in this special evening.
“I look forward to bringing the work of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and that of Take The Reins to the racing community. I hope to highlight the great work these charities do.
“Their sole intention is to propel our youth regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation to fulfil their potential.”
Throughout the pandemic lockdown TTR has worked extensively with youth groups and diverse communities to maintain its network and reach for future projects and was a partner in the delivery of the Hope2020 campaign in memory of murdered schoolboy Damilola Taylor.
Deborah Hay, CEO of TTR, said the collaboration with organisations such as the RFF was an important step in connecting with communities traditionally untouched by the racing industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome Heather Small to racing and to help her deliver the #UAR campaign on behalf of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, who we have been collaborating with to support and deliver positive outcomes for young people nationwide.
“Racing has already pledged an industry-wide commitment to Diversity & Inclusion to make sure the sport is open to all and this is part of that journey. I really hope the racing audience at Lingfield on 12th August, support this.”
Mark Spincer, Managing Director of the ARC Racing Division said, “We are really proud to welcome Heather to Lingfield Park to that evening’s Racing League fixture. Her message and the work of both the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Take The Reins is hugely important, and we are delighted to work with them to help promote this across our racecourses and to our audiences.”
Oli Harris, Chief Marketing Officer of Championship Horseracing which has created the series said: “Heather’s vibrant and outgoing personality is a natural fit for Racing League, and we are delighted to help amplify the message of #UAR. We are looking forward to Heather and her team working with our resident DJ, Amy Lauren, to create an amazing atmosphere after racing on the 12th.”
TTR draws on its roots in racing and its community networks and reach to provide opportunities to young people from diverse communities.
The #UAR campaign aims to work with partners across the world of sport, music, culture, e-sports and business to deliver the momentum for change through young people.
