NEWPORT Gwent Dragons players joined the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent and local schools yesterday (Wed) in an anti-racism event.

Pupils from Maindee and St Gabriel’s Primary schools in Newport took part in a range of educational workshops with Dragons players, Gwent PCC Ian Johnston and his deputy, Paul Harris. The event was held at the Dragons’ Rodney Parade stadium and was part of a series of events the Show Racism the Red Card charity has been running in Gwent thanks to funding from the Commissioner.

Show Racism the Red Card received £9,250 from Mr Johnston’s Partnership Fund last year to run anti-racism workshops with schools across Newport and Monmouthshire.

During the day, pupils took part in a range of interactive activities, took on the role of journalists, and asked questions to the panel of guests.

Mr Johnston said: “Show Racism the Red Card do a fantastic job. I'm pleased to be able to support their work in Gwent which highlights why racism is poisonous and why it needs to be eradicated.

“Unfortunately there are pockets of racism in every part of society and children and young people are sadly influenced by what adults teach them. We need to work together as a community to raise awareness and eradicate it.”

Sunil Patel, Show Racism the Red Card Wales campaign manager, added: “At a time when racism continues to dominate headlines in Wales and across the world, it’s imperative that young people get an opportunity themselves to explore this important topic in the company of players from the Dragons.”