Multicultural footy kicks a goal
School children from north and south of the river recently took part in a pair of AFL carnivals aimed at increasing participation amongst Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) groups in the sport.
13 April 2010
.jpg "Nic Naitanui and players.")
The clinics were run by the
WA Football Commission and supported by the Department of Sport and Recreation.
The first carnival took place at EFTel Oval on 22 March and saw more than 200 school students participating in the AFL Multicultural ‘South of the River’ carnival.
Students participated in a variety of modified games and activities, including round robin matches and skill drills.
Participants at the 'North of the River' carnival, which took place on 24 March at Lightning Park in Noranda, received an extra special treat in the form of West Coast Eagles superstar Nic Naitanui.
The young ruckman, whose family is from Fiji, was on hand to help show the kids a few of the finer points of the game, as well as pose for a few photos.
In addition to meeting one of the AFL’s best young talents, the kids enjoyed a halal barbeque which was put on by the Perth and Stirling Lions football clubs.
Department of Sport and Recreation Director General Ron Alexander said sport was a wonderful way to enjoy life, stay healthy and build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities.
“I can say from personal experience that football achieves all of these things and more. I can think of no better way to integrate into the Aussie way of life than becoming a part of a football club. Nothing breaks down racial and cultural barriers better than being part of a multicultural sports team,” he said.
“Not only that, it instills human values such as fair play, respect for others, teamwork, harmonious living and leadership – qualities that are so important in modern day society.”
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