Statement from our CEO, Nigel Harrison

This week our screens have been full of people of all races, backgrounds and cultures coming together to play and work to a set of values based on mutual respect, trust and kindness. As ever, the Olympics has shown the world how sport can unite people.

Our screens have also been full of the opposite taking place in this country and I'm sure all our partners are as appalled and shocked as we are at the current racial riots and Islamaphobic attacks taking place; racism against our black and brown friends and communities.

We take hope and belief in the strength of the collective community action we've seen in the aftermath of the violence as the true spirit of our communities comes to the fore. We will continue to listen to and stand with our friends, colleagues and people we serve who, amongst many other things, are feeling anxious at this time.

It's a timely reminder of the work of the Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport group's work over the last few years. Its vision is for Yorkshire and Humber to be the kindest, friendliest and most inclusive place to enjoy sport and we hope all our partners will join us in this ambition. To date over 130 organisations have made the commitment to take action against racism is sport and we hope many more will join us.

In the meantime, collectively in sport we know we have a big job to do and hold a big responsibility. Not only to get our own sporting environment right but also to use the full power of sport in inspiring and connecting communities and people. We've all seen it and all witnessed it.

We need to be visible and welcoming more than we have ever been before because our friends and communities we serve need us. This is a moment for us to really show true allyship and stand with those that are suffering; scars that could last a long while to come.

We look forward to working with you on this crucial work.