On 8 January 2011, London BDS activists kicked off the Adidas – Don’t Run With Apartheid campaign at the Adidas store near Covent Garden regarding the company’s sponsorship of the first-ever Jerusalem Marathon due to take place on 25 March 2011.
BDS activists spoke with the manager, explained the reasons behind the campaign and presented a letter to be forwarded to the UK and European head office. The manager accepted the letter and claimed that Adidas was aware of their concerns. Activists then distributed flyers directly outside the shop and talked to passersby and customers, asking them to urge Adidas to withdraw its sponsorship.
A few weeks later, this was Adidas’ reply:
Thank you for your recent letter regarding the Jerusalem Marathon.
Adidas is convinced by the unifying power sport offers. As a general rule we do not influence any political processes or event details.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for contacting the Adidas Group.
Yours sincerely
Lauren Cruse
Customer Care Manager
For and on behalf of Adidas (UK) Limited
We’re sure all the Palestinian sportsmen and women who have had their pitches blown up or their visas refused will be pleased to learn of the “unifying power” of sport.
The ‘Adidas – Don’t Run With Apartheid’ campaign is urging human-rights activists throughout the world to take action to ensure that Adidas does not sponsor the 2012 Jerusalem Marathon.
Adidas has already hinted that they are wary of an international boycott and bad publicity. This is an opportunity for all people of conscience to get involved.
Through its sponsorship, Adidas undermines the Palestinian call for a cultural, as well as a sporting boycott of Israel.
Even though the route of the marathon has been changed, the Jerusalem Marathon is yet is another attempt by Israel to whitewash their atrocious human rights record. In addition, this marathon is organised by the same municipality that routinely organises house evictions and demolitions in East Jerusalem.
More reasons why Adidas should withdraw its sponsorship of the Jerusalem Marathon can be found here.
TAKE ACTION! Add your voice to the growing numbers and make a real impact!
Email: global_public_relations@adidas.com
and/or
Send a message to Adidas HERE
Here’s a sample letter:
I want to express my concern and disapproval at Adidas for sponsoring the forthcoming Jerusalem Marathon on the 25th March 2011.
It is important to note that your sponsorship of the Jerusalem marathon, whether in the current form or in a revised one, undermines the Palestinian call out for a cultural, sporting and economic boycott of Israel. In 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civil society, trade union and charitable organisations came together in unison to call for global non-violent citizen action through a Boycott Divestment and Sanctions campaign to pressure Israel into conforming with its human rights and international obligations.
Since 1967 Israel has moved over 260,000 Settlers into the Occupied Palestinian Territories, flouting international law and dozens of UN resolutions and forcing Palestinians of their land.The marathon is organised by the same municipality that routinely organises house evictions and demolitions in East Jerusalem. Adidas’ sponsorship signals an international ‘business as usual’ message to apartheid and occupation, perpetuated by Israel, on behalf of Adidas.
I ask that Adidas does not sponsor the 2012 Jerusalem Marathon and stands up and join the many companies, athletes, singers, celebrities, politicians and citizens worldwide who have already done so, for human rights and for an end to the apartheid occupation.
In the event that Adidas chooses to sponsor this event, people throughout the world will ensure that every patron who walks through the doors of your shops, as well as Adidas stockists, will be informed as to exactly what they are supporting.Together, lets make Adidas kick the occupation to the kerb!
