Northern Ireland

Carl Frampton calls for ‘fight against sectarianism and racism’ at Good Relations Week launch

The boxer was speaking at the launch of Good Relations Week 2024

Former world boxing champion Carl Frampton joined the First Minister and deputy First Minister today to encourage local groups and organisations to get involved in Good Relations Week 2024. Good Relations Week 2024, coordinated by the Community Relations Council, will run from Monday 16th September to Sunday 22nd September 2024 with an anticipated programme of over 200 cross community and multi-cultural events across the region. 

Pictured launching Good Relations Week 2024 is First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly alongside Carl Frampton, Chinese Dancer, Weihong Tu and Syrian Dancer, Mar Decena. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Carl Frampton with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Chinese dancer, Weihong Tu and Syrian dancer, Mar Decena. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN

Former world boxing champion Carl Frampton has appealed to people to “fight against sectarianism and racism” as he launched details of Good Relations Week 2024.

More than 200 cross-community and multi-cultural events are set to take place as part of the week in September.

This year’s theme is ‘OpportUNiTY’, which will “showcase the action, enthusiasm, and commitment of local groups and organisations in their daily efforts to foster positive community relations and promote cultural diversity”.

Workshops, theatre productions, exhibitions, debates and musical performances will take place across the north.

Chinese dancers perform at the official launch of Good Relations Week 2024 held at Girdwood Community Hub coordinated by the Community Relations Council and will run from Monday 16th September to Sunday 22nd September 2024 with an anticipated programme of over 200 cross community and multi-cultural events.
 The theme for this year’s celebration is 'OpportUNITY which will showcase the action, enthusiasm, and commitment of local groups and organisations in their daily efforts to foster positive community relations and promote cultural diversity. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN
Chinese dancers perform at the official launch of Good Relations Week 2024 held at Girdwood Community Hub. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN

The events also aim to “demonstrate the strength of communities in working together to break down barriers and seize opportunities to make a difference by promoting peace and understanding”.

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Joined by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at the launch on Tuesday, Mr Frampton said that throughout his boxing career he had seen “communities come together, supporting one another regardless of background or belief”.

“This experience has only reinforced my belief in the importance of celebrating the efforts of organisations and individuals that bring our communities closer together and help address important issues like sectarianism, racism, inequality, health and well-being, poverty, and education,” he said.



“I encourage every individual, community group, and organisation to seize this ‘OpportUNiTY’ to make a difference by hosting an event during Good Relations Week 2024 and I look forward to seeing some of the amazing events and initiatives throughout the weeklong celebration.”

Good Relations Week 2024, coordinated by the Community Relations Council, will run from September 16 to 22.