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A local run club has joined an international photography project promoting the importance of diversity and inclusion in sport.
Jersey's Rock 'n' Road runners have become the latest athletes to be photographed for a collection of over 1,100 portraits of sports teams from around the world.
'Sport Friendly: The Field of Diversity' was launched by French artist Emilien Buffard in time for the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic games.
Pictured: The international edition of 'Sport Friendly' showcases 22 teams from around the world and athlete testimonials.
Portraits of sports team members from around the world are captured and collated into Panini-style picture albums, similar to Match Attax football cards.
Rock 'n' Road runners joined the project to raise awareness around discrimination in sport due to factors such as age, sexuality, gender or identity.
The local club is committed to providing an accepting and inclusive space for athletes.
Jersey photographer Ryan O'Shea captured the portraits of the runners – which are due to be showcased in an exhibition in Jersey next year.
Pictured: All portraits of the Rock 'n' Road Runners will be showcased at an exhibition in Jersey next year. (Ryan O'Shea)
The local section of the project was led by Alliance Française in collaboration with Emilien Buffard.
Sam Wilkes, who led the project for Rock 'n' Road Runners, said: "We are excited to take part in this global project which celebrates inclusivity as it is huge part of our ethos – if you run then you’re a runner!
"Working with Alliance Français, Emilien and Ryan to produce such an interesting and thought provoking piece of collaborative art is huge for our group and Jersey.”
Noemie Alexandre, Event Co-ordinator at Alliance Française, added: “It has been great working on this project alongside Rock 'n' Road runners.
“Following the Olympics & Paralympics in Paris, our aim is to showcase how sport can be an inclusive space for all.
"We are very much looking forward to this beautiful exhibition of athletes from around the world and we hope it serves as a source of inspiration.”
Pictured: Rock 'n' Road runners is a local inclusive running club. (Ryan O'Shea)
Photographer Ryan added: “It has been an honour and a pleasure to collaborate on the project.
“I had the pleasure to not only photograph but be one of the subjects for the Jersey edition of this project.
“It will be great to see my photographs on show around the world and showcase this great project.”
The full list of countries and cities included in 'Sport Friendly' is as follows:
Jersey will host its own exhibition of the final photography project in May 2025 at the Link gallery, next to the Jersey Museum.
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