Legendary footballer Craig Foster will join millions around the world this Saturday, October 19 as part of the Global Solidarity Run at Parramatta Park in Sydney, an event designed to raise awareness about the increasing crisis of displaced people globally.
Participants from 60 countries will run, walk, or wheel 5 kilometres in a united effort to spotlight the growing number of individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict and other crises. Recent reports indicate that forced displacement has reached unprecedented levels, with 68.3 million people internally displaced and 43.4 million refugees seeking international protection.
For Zaki Haidari, an Amnesty International Strategic Campaigner, this event holds personal significance. Forced to leave Afghanistan in 2012 and arriving in Australia by boat, he spent 12 years awaiting a permanent protection visa. Zaki shares, “I understand the deep pain of leaving your country—leaving behind family, friends, and the place where you grew up. It’s crucial to raise awareness about people like myself, who once were in desperate need of protection and now, thankfully, can call Australia a safe home. I want others to know they are not alone in their struggles.”
Craig Foster emphasises the urgency of the situation, stating, “The world is facing great changes that are forcing more people than ever to flee. It’s imperative that we illuminate this issue and educate everyone about the need to support our fellow human beings. Sport is one of the few remaining social vehicles that brings us together. Walking together like we will on this day helps break down barriers and fosters understanding among us all.”
Organised by Sanctuary Runners in Ireland, in partnership with the Refugee Council of Australia, Amnesty International, the Irish Consulate in Australia, and SSI, the Global Solidarity Run is a global act of solidarity. Participants will connect through various events worldwide, starting in French Polynesia and moving westward through Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, all tracked in real-time online.
The main event in Australia will take place at Parramatta Park in Sydney, where Craig Foster will participate alongside community members. Participants are encouraged to wear blue and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #GlobalRun2024, tagging @sanctuaryrunners.
This event embodies solidarity, friendship, and respect, breaking down barriers of ethnicity, religion, and legal status. It serves as a powerful reminder that we are “One Run, One Day, One World, One Team of Equals.”
For more information and to join the Sanctuary Runners club on Strava, visit the official Sanctuary Runners website.
About the event:
- Time: Media arrive by 0715 to set up
- Run: Starts at 8 AM
- Interviews: Craig Foster, Zaki Haideri
Quotes:
“In 2024, for the 12th consecutive year, the number of refugees and displaced people increased, reaching a record high of 120 million people facing displacement. In the face of this monumental issue, SSI is joining forces with friends in the sector to raise awareness of the challenges displaced people face each day, through our Parramatta Global Solidarity Run,” Yamamah Agha, General Manager Newcomers, Settlement and Integration.
“It’s more important than ever to step up and show solidarity with displaced peoples around the world and here in Australia. Never in the history of the Asylum Seekers Centre have we seen a global displacement crisis or local poverty crisis like we do today. Demonstrating that we all support people who have had to flee their lives, livelihoods, families, and communities helps provide much-needed welcome and hope to rebuild in a new place.” - Asylum Seekers Centre CEO Frances Rush OAM
"In a world where millions are displaced, our collective action matters now more than ever. The global solidarity run on October 19 is a vital step in amplifying the voices of those seeking refuge and showcasing the Refugee Council's unwavering commitment to advocating for refugee rights." – Paul Power, Refugee Council of Australia CEO
Contact details:
Sophia Ducker-Jones
Email: sophiaduckorjones@refugeecouncil.org.au
MOB: 0433 447 223
