The interview took place during the 'Respect and Sports4All' Conference Helsinki 19 October 2012. The conference was hosted by Liikkukaa-Sports4All organization, in collaboration with FARE, TUL, and RASMUS.
Who is Paul Canoville?
On 12 April 1982, Paul Canoville became the first black player ever to play in a Chelsea shirt. Paul's obvious ability on the field, quick feet and pace along the wing, should have instantly made him a fan's favourite. However he was to suffer probably the worst racial abuse suffered by any player in his era because it came from his own fans.Paul’s childhood is a big part of his story. His parents were part of the ‘Windrush’ generation that came to Britain after World War 2 and struggled to find acceptance. Paul grew up without a father figure to guide him through the pit falls that came his way as he grew up. This is something common to many young people.
Paul's football career was cut short by a horrific injury at the age of 24 (whilst playing for Reading), but he will always be remembered for coming on as a substitute for Chelsea against Sheffield Wednesday in the quarter finals of the Milk Cup when his team were 3-0 down. His entrance changed the game and he scored twice, with his first goal coming only 11 seconds after the restart. Paul’s father Vernon watched this match and after the game Paul met his father for the first time. To meet his father on this night is an incredibly dramatic moment as he overcomes the racists that had abused him and reconciles himself with his father.
After Paul's retirement from the game his life changed dramatically. He developed an addiction to drugs which he battled to overcome: he contracted Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, an aggressive cancer, three times, but managed to prevail every time.
For more information on Paul Canoville, visit http://www.paulcanoville.com/#!
CEO FARE, Piara Powar, President Liikkukaa org, and Board Member, FARE, Ike Chime
1 comment:
Thanks for the link. fascinating!
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