Barclays Premier League's Chelsea vs Everton match on February 22, 2014, is inaugural 'Game For Equality'

This weekend's Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton will serve as the inaugural "Game for Equality." According to Chelsea's official website, this match will "bring together football and important campaigns and organizations to highlight work promoting equality within the sport, and throughout communities." Chelsea's charity, Building Bridges teamed up with Kick It Out, Football v Homophobia, the Premier League and the Football Association to help build awareness and diminish discrimination.

Chelsea player Demba Ba serves as the team's ambassador for this new campaign.

"I'm proud to be asked to be the ambassador for this campaign as it is important we as a club stand up to all forms of discrimination," Ba stated. "I support all work promoting equality, and believe days like this will help get the message out there. There is no place for discrimination. Our club and our communities should be open to all regardless of race, religion, gender or sexuality."

To show support for this movement and the organizations involved, Chelsea uniforms will feature for the first time the Building Bridges logo and a special practice t-shirt will also be worn for warm-ups.

Kick it Out's director, Roisin Wood, stated: "Chelsea FC's inaugural Game for Equality is the perfect platform for the club to demonstrate their support for organizations campaigning for equality and inclusion in football. The work of the club's Building Bridges initiative goes further towards creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for supporters of all backgrounds, and shows Chelsea's proactive approach in engaging with their local community. Kick It Out commends Chelsea FC and its Foundation on developing the Game for Equality and looks forward to continuing its close working relationship with the club moving forward."

Also, Megan Worthing-Davies, director of Football v Homophobia, said, "We welcome the work of Chelsea FC in combating discrimination and prejudice in the game."

She added: "The club's leadership on challenging homophobia and creating a welcoming and safe place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people will make a difference not just within the club, but also within the wider community and around the world. Football v Homophobia applauds Chelsea's stance on this issue and is very pleased to be working with the club going forward."