Chelsea, New England Revolution soccer clubs to join March of the Living

The March of the Living is an annual event that brings people from around the world together to explore the history of the Holocaust.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Belgian Chelsea soccer player Eden Hazard [L] and New England Revolution goal keeper Matt Turner [R]. (photo credit: Courtesy)
Belgian Chelsea soccer player Eden Hazard [L] and New England Revolution goal keeper Matt Turner [R].
(photo credit: Courtesy)
The Chelsea Football Club and the New England Revolution have announced that both teams will take part in the “March of the Living” event in Poland, held annually in remembrance of the Holocaust, on Thursday, May 2.
The teams’ participation in the march will be the latest activity in a continuing series of commitments both organizations have made as part of a joint effort between Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the New England Revolution owners, the Kraft family, to harness the power of sport to combat antisemitism and discrimination around the world.
The March of the Living is an annual event that brings people from across the globe together to explore the history of the Holocaust, with an expected 10,000 people marching from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex built during World War II.
Last year, Chelsea FC was the first premier league club to ever send a delegation to the March of the Living. This year, Chelsea FC will be joined by the Revolution whose participation will represent the first appearance by a US team. Participating from Chelsea will be Director Eugene Tenenbaum, CEO Guy Laurence, former manager Avram Grant, and club ambassador Steve Redgrave. Participants from the Revolution include President Brian Bilello and Club Ambassador Charlie Davies.
 “Chelsea is honored to participate in the March of the Living for the second year in a row," said Tenenbaum. "We started this initiative to raise awareness of and tackle antisemitism in all its forms more than a year ago and sharing this experience of paying our respects to the millions of Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust with members of the New England Revolution goes a long way in spreading the message of unity and tolerance.”
The Revolution's Bilello added that "we feel it’s important to use our voice to help combat discrimination of any kind and we are proud to partner with Chelsea to help promote equality and tolerance.”
Just days after the march, Chelsea and the Revolution will meet again in Boston to compete in the charity match, “The Final Whistle on Hate,” which will be played on Wednesday, May 15.
All proceeds will go towards raising funds for projects promoting equality and tolerance. The match’s primary beneficiaries will include the World Jewish Congress, the Tree of Life synagogue, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Holocaust Educational Trust.
Representatives from these and other anti-discrimination organizations will be invited to attend the game, while ownership of each team will also donate $1 million in support of the cause.