Founded in 2021, as a response to systemic racism Opening Up The Outdoors (OUTO) is a not-for-profit initiative that focuses on the continued inclusion, education, and enjoyment of outdoor spaces by people of the global majority. We envision an outdoor community and industry that is truly diverse, equitable, anti-racist and accessible to everyone.
Our Aim
To ensure that everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual identity or physical ability is welcomed and included when they step outside.
To do this, OUTO is partnering with industry and community leaders. We’re removing barriers to the outdoors by educating and supporting those interested building a more diverse, equitable and anti-racist outdoor community.
People
Phil Young
Co–founder
Involved in sports and culture all his life via skateboarding, snowboarding, bikes, surfing, and running, Phil co-founded OUTO with the simple ambition of making the outdoors, across Europe, a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
A longtime advocate for diversity in the outdoors, as well as his ‘day job’ as a respected producer and director, Phil is the instigator of the Outsiders Project, co-founder of Colour Collective, and one of the founding members of Black Trail Runners.
Keme Nzerem
Co–founder
Award winning journalist and filmmaker Keme Nzerem has travelled the world reporting for Channel 4 News. He's covered global stories from the Grenfell fire, to the election of Barack Obama. He was the face of Channel 4 News’ BAFTA nominated Black to Front day coverage, which elevated Black stories and Black production staff. Keme’s also a passionate bikepacker and skier, and is often one of the few Black or Brown people on the trail. He brings to OUTO the experience he has in trying to make the media more diverse.
Founding Members
Friends of OUTO
Many people and organisations have given generously their time and expertise, to make OUTO a reality. Thanks to everyone who has joined us on this journey, with special gratitude going to:
- We Are Pi
- 1000heads
- All Conditions Media
- Berghaus
- BMC
- Brownstone Communications
- European Outdoor Group
- Finisterre
- Haroon Mota
- Hatch
- I Am Here International
- It’s Great Out There
- Kendal Mountain Festival
- Leeds Beckett University
- Looking Sideways
- Mountain Training
- National Parks
- Osprey
- Outdoor Industry Association
- Sabrina Pace-Humphreys
- Salomon
- Soraya Abdel-Hadi
- Wiggle Ltd
Contact
Contact
- [EMAIL]
- [ADDRESS]
Opening up the Outdoors
Avenue des Arts 43
B-1040 Bruxelles
Belgique
Proud to be part of the
It’s Great Out There Coalition