Stars from the world of football, music and entertainment came together to support the launch of Equality is Legacy at Stamford Bridge. Equality is Legacy is a charitable organisation existing to provide practical support, education, mentoring, and investment grants enabling underprivileged communities to connect with big organisations to reach their full potential and grow diverse business talent.
The evening, hosted by actor, comedian and presenter Richard Blackwood, took place at Under The Bridge, at the home of European champions Chelsea FC and sponsored by Stoli Group. Live performances on the night featured Brit award-winning soul singer Lemar and The Boyz on Block, playing classic hit songs. Attendees included presenter Vanessa Feltz, singers Patti Boulaye OBE and Kele Le Roc, Love Island’s Jourdan Riane, Eastenders star Ricky Norwood and campaigner Patrick Hutchinson.
Charity Equality Is Legacy hosted a poignant Q&A session, moderated by Richard Blackwood, and featuring Paul Canoville, Chelsea’s first black footballer, Sky Andrew, the UK’s first black football agent, Ruqsana Begum, award-winning author and Muay Thai boxing champion and Damian McKinney, global CEO of Stoli Group. The panel discussed an array of topics from equality in sport and working with communities to create better opportunities for growth.
On the night, Guest of Honour Paul Canoville, hosted guests in his very own Canoville Suite at Stamford Bridge. The hospitality suite was named this summer, in honour of Chelsea’s first ever black player and the incredible contribution he made to the club between 1981-86. During the evening, he discussed the need for further progress around equality in football, anti-racism and drawing on his own experiences of racial abuse when playing for the club.
The evening marked the launch of All Star Legacy, a celebrity football match which will take place on 27th March 2022 at Stamford Bridge, during the Premier League international break. The star-studded event will be broadcast globally and will raise funds and awareness for Equality is Legacy and their pledge to address inequalities.
Confirmed names set to take part in All Star Legacy include Gianfranco Zola, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Petr Czech, Frank Sinclair, Emile Heskey, Darren Bent, Marvin Sordell, Chelsea Grimes, Rachel Yankee, Jamie Baulch, Big Narstie, Shaun Wallace, Kenny Allstar, Caroline Demoraes, Jody Morris and more.
Player Ambassador and ex-Tottenham star Darren Bent commented: “We will be celebrating the UK’s sport and entertainment diversity – expect a fantastic celebrity line-up of players including football legends, boxers, actors, comedians and more – All Stars from different walks of life!”
Ex-Chelsea & Jamaica star Frank Sinclair commented that “Football is a universal language that can be played by everyone, so regardless of your culture, background, gender or colour everyone plays by the same rules and that is a strong message in itself.”
Ex-Liverpool & England star Emile Heskey added “We want to see more people standing united and representing equality with meaningful conversations that go beyond just taking a knee for example mentoring, practical education and investing in underprivileged communities is great action and we want to see more.”
Co-Founder of Equality is Legacy Cliff Bogle said “The important message is that no discrimination is acceptable. We are delivering inclusion and opportunity free of racism, sexism, homophobia, disability discrimination, antisemitism and mental health discrimination. Every individual and organisation involved has a genuine passion for change and equality.”
Co-Founder of Equality is Legacy Rodney Bennett adds “We believe football is the best vehicle to drive action and awareness for a more diverse future. It is loved worldwide, making it one of the most powerful platforms to communicate a positive message of equality to people of all ages, regardless of their nationality.”
“Stoli is thrilled to be in the company of the world’s top players, entertainers and innovators working towards a common goal,” said Damian McKinney, Global CEO of Stoli® Group. “Equality is Legacy has given us all a rare opportunity – to create lasting, meaningful change. We are here for it and are ready to do our part to create a diverse, sustainable future for us all.”
Announcing the All Star Legacy match, Chelsea FC Chairman Bruce Buck said:”As a Club, we are committed to taking action to support equality, diversity and inclusion. Our owner Mr. Abramovich asks that we play our part in finding meaningful solutions to the challenges of discrimination and marginalisation.
We are really pleased therefore to be hosting the All Star Legacy Match at Stamford Bridge, and we look forward to raising funds that will have real practical use in underprivileged communities.”
All Star Legacy takes place on 27th March 2022 at Stamford Bridge, more information can be found at www.equalityislegacy.co.uk.
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