This Saturday 12 of December, Servette FC will face FC Basel at the Stade de Genève, in the context of the Swiss Super League. Switzerland for UNHCR is pleased to announce its partnership with this Geneva institution, one of the most successful clubs in Switzerland, reflecting the unifying power of sport and Geneva's shared tradition as a city of refuge.
The Grenat will wear the Switzerland for UNHCR logo on their shirts, which will then be auctioned off. The proceeds will be donated to the operations of UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, providing vital assistance to people forced to flee.
Cédric Anker, President of the Swiss Foundation for UNHCR, stressed the importance of such a partnership:
As the number of uprooted people continues to grow, the importance of the support of an institution like Servette FC is incomparable. Geneva is the birthplace of Servette FC and the United Nations Refugee Agency, and together we can offer a better future to those forced to flee.
In addition, Servette FC has generously offered to invite refugees and asylum seekers from the canton to attend the match. Several dozen of them will be among the Geneva fans on Sunday. The club's message? You are as much a part of Geneva as this club.
Sport transcends borders and different life paths. It is a strong message for the cause of refugees, stateless people and internally displaced persons to see Swiss football championing their cause. Among the most prominent international supporters, Mohammed Salah is also committed to supporting people forced to flee.
Other players such as Alphonso Davies or Eduardo Camavinga are closely linked to the cause of forced displacement by their own backgrounds.
Alphonso Davies was born in a refugee camp in Ghana to parents from Liberia, before he and his family were relocated to Canada. Today, the UNHCR ambassador is a key player for both the Canadian team and Bayern Munich in Germany. Another rising star, this time in French football, Eduardo Camavinga was born in a refugee camp in Angola, before being relocated to France with his family. Today he plays for FC Real Madrid and the French national team.
These players have become symbols of the power of sport to overcome the hardships faced by displaced people. For thousands of young refugees, these players are an inspiration and a message of hope - and it is an honour to have Servette FC join this solidarity movement.