March 21: "International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination"

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed each year on 21 March, Atalanta BC reaffirms with conviction its commitment to fighting all forms of racism - a blight that still deeply affects our society today.

A commitment that translates into concrete, everyday actions: throughout the current season, the Club has once again promoted a range of educational initiatives within its Youth Academy, actively engaging young players in programmes focused on growth, awareness and dialogue. Because real change starts with the next generation -rooted in respect, inclusion and the appreciation of diversity.

Atalanta firmly believes in sport as a powerful force for education and unity, capable of breaking down barriers and building bridges, both on and off the pitch.

Some of the activities organised for the Youth Academy

In preparation for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, established by the United Nations in 1966, several youth teams took part in reflective sessions on this harmful ideology, which manifests not only in sport but also in many aspects of everyday life.

In particular, the boys’ and girls’ Under-11 teams, guided by the Club’s psycho-pedagogical staff, explored themes such as prejudice, stereotypes and the forms of social categorisation that can fuel discriminatory attitudes, including those linked to racism.

During the discussion phase, a number of attribution errors emerged, common mental shortcuts often driven by stereotypical thinking. For example, when asked to associate a job with a person, some participants highlighted links between gender and profession (such as the idea that a sporty woman is unlikely to also be a doctor), or between physical appearance and social role (such as assuming that a person with tattoos cannot be a writer).

These examples served as a starting point for a guided reflection on how the mind works. Participants were shown how the brain, in an effort to conserve cognitive energy, tends to quickly categorise people and situations, creating mental shortcuts which, if not recognised, can turn into stereotypes and prejudices—the so-called “cognitive economy” of the brain.

In the final part of the session, the group revisited the examples that had emerged, broadening the discussion to include racism and discrimination. It was highlighted how judgments based on rigid categories can limit our understanding of others and lead to exclusion or unfair treatment.

The activity encouraged participation and open dialogue, helping the boys and girls to recognise their own automatic patterns of thinking.

"La scuola allo Stadio"

It’s also worth noting that across every stage of the Club’s long-standing ‘La Scuola allo Stadio’ project—engaging over 2,500 students from Bergamo and the surrounding area each year—the Youth Academy staff dedicate an entire session of the New Balance Arena visit to promoting fair, respectful and anti-racist support.