New York (AFP)

The National Hockey League (NHL) and its players union on Thursday announced a number of initiatives aimed at combating racism and promoting the vote of NHL employees in the US and Canadian elections, with full days without games.

These measures follow a two-day hiatus in the Stanley Cup playoffs, following the boycott put in place by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA, to protest against the shooting of the police on Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

"We salute the NHL players for recognizing the importance of this moment and for coming together to participate in this spontaneous movement for change," responded NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, determined to continue the game. "fight for equality and wider access to this game we all love".

According to Gary Bettman, the NHL has already made efforts since the integration of Willie O'Ree, the NHL's first black hockey player in 1957, but "we know that we can and must do more. We will do it," he said. he added.

For NHL Players Union (NHLPA) executive director Don Fehr, "everyone should be able to live in an open environment, free from racism and all forms of discrimination. In our sport, from the NHL to the training of players. young people, we must take action to achieve this goal ".

Integration and diversity will therefore be mandatory during training camps for the 2020-21 season.

An NHL employee training program has been developed around the concepts of anti-racism, identity, prejudice and cultural competence.

The NHL will also support the University of South Texas Justice Research Center to improve the justice system.

It is also committed to opening up, with its teams, to a greater number of organizations managed by minorities.

An Executive Council on Integration (EIC) has been set up, comprising owners, former players, and club and NHL officers.

It will be co-chaired by Gary Bettman and Buffalo Sabers co-owner Kim Pegula.

Finally, the NHL will fund programs to encourage minority participation at all levels of hockey.

In addition, several clubs have planned to install polling stations, especially for the US presidential election in November, in their rinks, alongside an education plan on voting.

© 2020 AFP