NFL OPENS DOOR ON KAEPER RETURN

LEWIS HAMILTON has joined Marcus Rashford in his fight against inequality as he vowed to tackle the global education crisis.

Manchester United and England star Rashford yesterday forced the UK Government into a £120million U-turn over free school meals.

And Hamilton, who has also played a prominent role in the Black Lives Matter movement following George Floyd’s death, wants to use his own experience at school to help others.

Yesterday he partnered with #TOGETHERBAND – a global movement which champions the United Nations 17 Global Goals – to kickstart that bid.

“Everyone, no matter where they are from or the colour of their skin, should have access to a quality education,” said Hamilton. “Shockingly, there are still millions of children globally who don’t have access to schools and education, and this needs to change.”

The reigning Formula One world champion has previously spoken about not enjoying school due to his struggle with dyslexia.

He also broke down racial barriers as a junior karter en route to the summit of F1, but remains the sport’s only black driver.

As part of his campaign, Hamilton recently visited Alperton Community School in London to inspire the next generation.

“Education is Plan A always, but there are a lot of kids around the world who don’t have the opportunities that you guys have,” he told students.

Like Rashford, whose passionate pleas to the Government won him plaudits from across the political spectrum, Hamilton has refused to stay silent over his desire for a better future for the next generation.

The 35-year-old has also been vocal in his condemnation of racial injustice after the death of George Floyd in the United States.

“I have felt so inspired by people across the globe using their voices to speak out against racial injustice,” he said. “Fighting for real change starts with us, whether peacefully protesting, showing support on social media or signing petitions. Our fight for equality must continue.

“As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’.”

TOGETHERBANDS are available from www.togetherband.org

Hamilton wants more children have access to education Right: Marcus Rashford

COLIN KAEPERNICK has been backed for a return to NFL action, almost four years after he claims he was blackballed by the league owners. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says that not only would he support one of the 32 teams signing the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback but that he would also like Kaepernick (above) to help the league do better on race issues. Kaepernick was criticised by some owners in 2016 for taking a knee during the American national anthem in a silent protest at police brutality. President Trump was outspoken in his criticism and after becoming a free agent in 2017, Kaepernick could not find a team that wanted him, despite being in the prime of his career. Now Goodell says he would be delighted to see the 32-year-old back playing and at the forefront of championing social justice issues. Goodell said: “If he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it’s going to take a team to make that decision. I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that.”