AusLeisure

The GWS GIANTS, in partnership with AFL NSW/ACT and the NSW Government, will be presenting the inaugural Welcome Game when the GIANTS host Carlton at GIANTS Stadium tomorrow.

The centrepiece of the Game will be a citizenship ceremony for 300 western Sydney residents that is part of the GIANTS celebrating their relationship with the diverse communities of Western Sydney to welcome new citizens to AFL.

The event will see the new Australian citizens form a guard of honour as the GIANTS run out before doing a lap of honour of GIANTS Stadium at half-time.

It reflects a change in the AFL’s approach to multiculturalism and cultural diversity, replacing the former multicultural round with a more nuanced approach to diversity as year-round activity.

Giants’ Chief Operating Officer, James Avery stated “(diversity) shouldn’t be a one-off thing.

“It has to be built into everything you’re doing.”

For the Giants, the greater western Sydney region is home to nearly two million people who come from more than 170 different countries and speak more than 100 different languages.

“For us to be able to learn from other cultures and communities, that’s the benefit that we get. We get to become far more culturally rich by engaging in different communities and bringing new people into the game who have different cultural ideals and different values. That only enhances you as an organisation, as a football club.”

It’s something the GIANTS have firsthand experience with. Earlier this year, Haneen Zreika debuted for the GIANTS’ AFLW team, becoming the first Muslim woman to play the game at the elite level.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism and Sport, John Sidoti, said the Welcome Game will showcase the rich cultural diversity of Western Sydney, commenting “sport is one of the best ways to build social cohesion and create a sense of belonging for those new to the community.

“It’s fitting that hundreds of people from Western Sydney will experience their first moments as Australian citizens at an iconic Australian sport, at their local Stadium.”

 

 

 

 

 

GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews added “Western Sydney is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the country and we’re delighted to be celebrating this on Sunday.

“The Welcome Game acknowledges the contribution diverse communities have made to our game for generations and introduces hundreds of new Australians to our great game.

“Australian Rules is a game for everyone and we’re proud to celebrate that when we take on Carlton on

The new citizens come from the areas surrounding Sydney Olympic Park and represent the Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Italian, Filipino, English, Irish and Scottish communities.

Image shows the launch of the Welcome Game this week, featuring Images: NSW Minister for Multiculturalism and Sport, John Sidoti; GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews; GIANTS coach Leon Cameron; GIANTS Board Member Adrian Fonseca; AFL NSW/ACT Chief Executive Sam Graham and Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Joseph La Posta meeting with two of the families who will be part of the GIANT Citizenship Ceremony on Sunday. Courtesy of GWS Giants.

Related Articles

26th March 2019 - GWS GIANTS home venue to be known as GIANTS Stadium in new naming rights deal

15th July 2013 - AFL Multicultural Round celebrates diversity and community engagement

10th September 2010 - Funding gives multicultural community a sporting chance

11th April 2018 - GWS Giants and PCYC combine to attempt Guinness World Record Boxercise program

7th May 2013 - GWS Giants get new multi-million dollar training facility

8th April 2014 - GWS Giants back Western Sydney’s first women’s AFL team

25th February 2014 - GWS Giants new home gets official opening

19th August 2015 - Migration and Settlement Awards recognise GWS Giants outreach

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.