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Aapeli Räsänen, ice hockey player

“Unfortunately, sport has been dominated by a certain toxic culture of secrecy which has created the perfect platform for sexual harassment and other human rights infringements. Luckily, injustices have begun to be highlighted and the situation has improved, including in ice hockey, which is somewhat of a conservative sector in sport. It’s self-evident to me to speak up for human rights, and I want to encourage other athletes to do the same. Athletes should have the right to take a stand, but sports federations and sporting management are responsible for taking changes forward.

It’s great that many associations and clubs have taken a stand on human rights, such as during Pride week. This sends a clear message to fans. If the sporting world were built over again from scratch, I would want it to be equal for all. My dream sporting world would be an emotional and physical safe haven. When you came to the rink, court, or gym, you would be able to leave your cares and concerns behind.”

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It’s important for me to be able to say what I think and feel. Athletes should have freedom of expression.

Awak Kuier, basketball player

Women’s sport is still disparaged, and the structures of sport are sometimes discriminatory. But change is happening. It’s great that the Women’s National Team is getting more and more media attention.

Linda Sällström, footballer

Minority representatives often highlight problems, which isn’t easy. Those in positions of power in sport should have the will to change things.

Shawn Huff, basketball player

There’s still plenty to do to stamp out racism in football. I hope and demand that sports organizations take responsibility and lead sport in a better direction.

Tim Sparv, footballer

It can be difficult for people with disabilities to take up sport as a hobby. They may be told ‘We can’t take you’. This is a matter of human rights.

Amanda Kotaja, wheelchair racer

I’ve encountered ignorance and homophobic jokes. Responsible bodies in sport should intervene in all kinds of discrimination more often.

Senni Salminen, triple jumper

It’s great that the figure skating world is finally beginning to talk about children’s rights. Without human rights, sport is neither sustainable nor valuable.

Kiira Korpi, figure skater
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