Olly Murs And Kieron Dyer Star At Ford's 'Kick It Out' Event

DAGENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – October 29, 2010: Sports stars and celebrities turned out in strength to support Ford's fifth annual "Kick It Out" event, focusing on kicking racism out of the community.

More than 100 youngsters from local East London schools joined guests at the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) at Dagenham to enjoy a variety of activities and workshops.

Ford of Britain managing director, Nigel Sharp said: "The relationship between Ford and Kick It Out is hugely successful in mobilising the involvement of local schools during the fortnight of action."

Lord Hermann Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, said: "Once again Ford put on a fantastically engaging event. We are delighted to be working with Ford and partners in the Dagenham area on an initiative that will have a lasting impact, and Ford is to be congratulated for an enlightened approach to issues that impact on its local communities."

Major stars at the event from the world of entertainment, were X-factor success-story Olly Murs, actor Winston Ellis (Pirates of the Caribbean, Rise of the Footsoldier) and Gurinder Chadha (Director, Bend It Like Beckham). Helping the youngsters hone their football skills was Kieron Dyer from West Ham FC and players from Dagenham and Redbridge FC. England physiotherapist Gary Lewin also attended as well as ex-England and Watford legend Luther Blissett.

These celebrities were joined by executives from the Professional Footballers Association, ex-footballers,Paul Allen and Paul Davies and sports journalist of The Voice, Rodney Hinds, in a questions and answers session with the pupils from the East London schools attending.

Mitra Janes, diversity manager, Ford of Britain, said: "Football is diverse and inclusive and it is a great platform for our involvement. Kick It Out's 'One game, One community' theme uses football as a way of promoting respect, inclusion and diversity and it is completely aligned with Ford's company ethos."

Eastbrook Comprehensive school in Dagenham were the lucky winners of a draw for 11 of their students to be centre circle bearers of the UEFA champions league banner at the Tottenham vs. Inter Milan game at White Hart Lane on November 3rd. Other prizes won by the students includedtickets to a Manchester United game; 200 Dagenham and Redbridge match day tickets; and a tour at Arsenal's Emirates grounds.

Prizes for this year's Kick It Out event were donated by Ford Motor Company Ltd, Manchester United Foundation, Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club and Arsenal Football Club.