Budding designers have been asked to create an emblem for sports clubs, fans and players across the country to mark their support for the campaign. The competition is targeted at young people but is open to anyone with creative flair. Applicants have been asked to come up with a design that conveys a message of inclusion and respect in sport.

Minister for Equalities Lynne Featherstone said:

’Over 2,000 individuals and clubs have already signed up to the Government Charter for Action to kick homophobia and transphobia out of sport and I thank them for their support.

‘The competition will help encourage even more people to get involved and spread the message far and wide that homophobic and transphobic abuse is never acceptable.’
Rugby Union star Ben Cohen will choose the top designs from all the entries; it will then be over to the general public to vote in February for the winner. The winning design will become the official logo for the campaign.

Ben Cohen, MBE, England Rugby World Cup champion said:

‘I am passionate about standing up against homophobia and making sure sport is a welcoming place for everyone. The winning logo will allow sports fans, players and clubs to clearly show their support for tackling this issue and help unite everyone who loves sport behind this important campaign.’

Prizes donated by The Football Association, The Football League, The Lawn Tennis Association, the Rugby Football League and Ben Cohen include:

A mascot package for under 11’s at an England Football International at Wembley
2 tickets to the Championship playoff finals at Wembley
2 Tickets to the AEGON tennis Championship at Queens
4 Tickets to the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final
A signed Ben Cohen shirt
A tour of Wembley Stadium

The Charter for Action was launched in March this year and commits signatories to challenge discrimination and work to rid sport of homophobic and transphobic abuse both on the stands and in the field, so that everyone can take part in and enjoy sport.

Signatories include Ben Cohen, tennis star Martina Navratilova and film director David Furnish, as well as the Football Association, the Lawn Tennis Association, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union.

The deadline for entry to the competition is 18 January 2012.

Notes to editors

1. Anyone of any age can enter.
2. Designs can be drawn, painted or designed on a computer.
3. Designs should be sent to sportscharter@geo.gsi.gov.uk or Nancy Tenenbaum at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF to arrive no later than 18 January 2012.
4. Travel and overnight stay is not included with the prizes.
5. For more information and the terms and conditions visit: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/equalities/lgbt/sports-charter/