On Tuesday, June 2 Athletic Republic CEO, Charlie Graves shared the following message with its network of sports performance training centers:
This past week we witnessed another tragic, unnecessary death of a black man in our country. Many took to the streets in peaceful protest to demand justice and promote change; unfortunately these protests often devolved into violence. As expected, the media has seized on the most sensational activity, and the riots receive more attention than the real reason for outrage – discrimination, racism, and the lack of progress for equality among all people.
At this time of unrest, I’m reminded of a great leader who dedicated his life to standing up to injustice. In a speech acknowledging South Africa was bringing an end to Apartheid, while simultaneously ushering in a new era of human rights that would be on display while hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Nelson Mandela said,
“Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sports can create hope, where there was once only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”
We at Athletic Republic have a role in confronting prejudice. Our Core Values are grounded in the life lessons learned through sport, about working hard, playing fair, performing as a team and respecting each other, irrespective of race, faith, or gender. We always stand behind ANY athlete who wants to be their best and to achieve their dreams.
We see social injustice in our everyday lives, and in our own way by continuing to live AR Values inside and outside our centers, we further our mission to support every athlete and, in turn, our communities.
We are AR!
