Arsenal player Oleksandr Zinchenko, has won the Media Diversity Champion award after condemning Vladimir Putin’s actions against his country Ukraine.
The award was presented to him on October 11, 2022, at the UnitedHealth Group’s European Diversity Awards.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine in February, and Zinchenko has been vocal in expressing his displeasure, stating that he “could not stay back” while his country is attacked.
Linda Riley, the founder of the European Diversity Awards, praised Zinchenko for his role in fighting against Vladimir Putin and Russia’s invasion.
She said:
“You could hear a pin drop in the room tonight while Oleksandr was speaking and his passion to stop the war was evident for all to see. He is an upstanding member of the football community and his powerful words should resonate across the globe as people are once again shown what is going on in the Ukraine.”
“Truly, since the war began Oleksandr has not shied away from speaking up and giving so many helpless Ukranian’s a voice by using his platform for good. He is an inspiration and fully deserving of our special Media Diversity Champion award.”
“Elsewhere, there were so many more deserving winners and everyone shortlisted has made real achievements in race, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or religious belief over the past year.”
“The corporations and business leaders who picked up awards are dynamic and reflect the huge efforts corporate organisations are now making to improve diversity and inclusion. We should never forget how far we’ve come but there is still so much more to do.”