Subj : WARWICK ROWERS URGE ALL TO STAY HOME, SAFE AND HAPPY.
To : All
From : Major Queen
Date : Wed Apr 15 2020 03:36 pm
APRIL 15, 2020 SOURCE EXPRESS
Despite a re-brand and the current global pandemic, the famous Warwick Rowers
message is just as strong as ever, stay home, stay safe and stay happy.
In 2018 the Warwick Rowers' social media presence disappeared when its
charitable efforts were basically mistaken for an excuse to post sexy
pictures online.
The sports-based campaign, known for stripping down as a part of a calendar
shoot that helps stop homophobia across all sports has since re-branded to
Worldwide Roar a sports-based advocacy program aiming to become "an inclusive
campaign that offers sportsmen everywhere to experience the journey of the
original Warwick Rowers."
Worldwide Roar producer and Sports Allies sponsor Angus Malcolm spoke with
AskMen and said over the course of ten calendars, four coffee table books,
and countless films, [this] project evolved from a basic student fundraiser
for a sports club into a campaigning calendar promoting the straight ally
message into a global campaign looking to promote healthier masculinity (and
by implication, gender equality and LGBT+ rights) through changing how we
look at men.
"The Roar will enable men to set project-based goals based on their sporting
skills, their physical fitness, their social skills, empathy, courage and
commitment to change. This is an opportunity for sports - and sportsmen - to
show leadership in promoting diversity, healthier masculinity and gender
equality," said Angus Malcolm.
When Warwick Rowers began creating calendars the majority of the athletes
modelling were straight, in the most recent shoot for the new calendar the
percentage was about "50/50 straight and LGBT" with its first-ever inclusion
of a trans person.
"Over thirty men took part, from all levels of rowing, including aspiring GB
squad members, and from a range of other sports, including football, boxing,
cricket, rugby and MMA," added Malcolm.
Malcolm said he is conscious of the rules that operate, particularly when men
are together in groups and being prepared to challenge those rules, even when
it's not comfortable to do so.
"I think that's part of what makes the nudity in the WR project so meaningful
- these are men stepping outside their comfort zones and potentially inviting
the criticism of other men by breaking unspoken rules about intimacy and
vulnerability between men," he said.
"It's about visibility, too. If you care about your values, you have to prove
them . you cannot hide in the shadows. Stand up for the person who is being
bullied, at the time that it is happening."
In the latest Instagram post from Worldwide Roar, the guys throw the famous
purple paint in the air, covering their private parts with the message,
"In our signature purple, we are sending up the flares. Stay home, stay safe
and stay happy! We know quarantine is a challenging time for everyone and we
are working hard to keep you entertained. As well as our WR House Party, our
April Roar Portfolio is packed full of home interviews, tips for
entertainment in quarantine and updates from the guys."
The rower's latest calendar features their biggest and most diverse cover
shoot ever, along with seventeen incredible full-size images shot in London
and in Spain.
All net profits from the sales of Worldwide Roar products are proudly donated
to Sport Allies - The registered charity focusing on inclusion through sport.
