Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland have launched the ‘United Through Sport’ campaign DVD in Belfast Castle.

The DVD is part of a major awareness campaign and education support promoting the powerful potential for positive integration through sport.

Many of Irelands leading sports personalities endorsed the campaign and over 300 people were filmed in 15 locations across Ireland and Northern Ireland with 118 participants making it into the final cut.

Representatives from many organisations attended the launch which was described as a “unique campaign”.

Perry Ogden, chair of SARI and director of United Through Sport said: “I feel honoured that so many of our great sportsmen and women have given their support to the campaign that celebrates the culture and heritage of sport in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“I also strongly believe that participation in sport is a great way to break down barriers and challenge perceived differences — and has the potential to transcend the playing field and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Evelyn Collins, chief executive, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland: “The campaign is a unique way to promote integration and inclusion in our society. It has captured the various sports that are played both by children in schools, in clubs and the street and by our professional sports people across the world to highlight the benefits of living in a diverse society. The range of sports shown highlights the wide appeal of the campaign.

“We hope the DVD from this campaign will be used by many people to highlight how sport can be used to bring people together, regardless of their background or race.”

Ms Collins said the commission welcomed the opportunity to work in partnership with SARI on this campaign and “we appreciate the participation of so many famous sports people in helping us to make a real difference”.

Guest speakers at the event included Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte and former Ireland rugby international Trevor Ringland MBE.

The DVD is supported by Dublin City Council Department of Integration, Department of Foreign Affairs Communicating Europe Initiative, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Football For Hope, FAI, IFA, IRFU GAA, and IABA.