Canadian soccer players and coaches have taken to social media in large numbers this week in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Protests have taken place across the world in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in response to other people of colour who have died because of police brutality.
Many Canadian soccer players have used their public profile to speak out about the issue of racial inequality, white privilege, and other important social issues during these difficult times.
Forge FC forward Chris Nanco penned a poignant message on his Instagram account on Wednesday evening about what it’s like for him, a person of colour, to live in a society where racial inequality exists.
“Being from Canada and growing up playing soccer I had opportunities to travel the world and experience a large amount of diversity. As much as this sounds amazing, sometimes it was the opposite. For the past six years I was in America. Without going too far into it, I am sad to say that I have been subject to racism/inequality just like many of my black brothers and sisters. Even in some of the most diverse countries, inequality and injustice still happen,” Nanco wrote.
Nanco went on to add: “CHANGE needs to happen. I am tired of trying to be accepted. I am tired of being pulled over and questioned on my way to practice because of my skin colour. I am tired of living in a society that is set up for my failure. I am tired of trying to create a better life for my loved ones when it can be torn away at any moment.
I AM TIRED!!! But I will never stop fighting!”
Nanco is starting up a fundraiser through his business/brand, Kick’d Up Culture, to “help raise awareness, help organizations in a position to make change, and help families who are suffering from these tragedies.”
If you’d like to make a donation to Chris Nanco’s Kick’d Up Culture for Equality Fundraiser, CLICK HERE
