The AFL is pleased to announce the Victorian Government will partner with the AFL on the upcoming 2015 Toyota AFL Multicultural Round.
Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement today at the MCG alongside AFL General Manager Clubs and AFL Operations Travis Auld, Collingwood Club President Eddie McGuire, Carlton midfielder Dale Thomas and Australia Post AFL Multicultural ambassadors Essendon captain Jobe Watson and Melbourne midfielder Jimmy Toumpas.
The sponsorship, allocated through the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, will support the AFL in hosting a range of engaging initiatives to promote respect for diversity among the Victorian community, including the AFL ‘Many Cultures, One Game’ Multicultural Festival at Yarra Park on August 8.
AFL General Manager Clubs and AFL Operations Travis Auld said this year the AFL will be hosting its first multicultural festival in Yarra Park when Collingwood meet Carlton in Round 19.
“Thanks to the support of the Victorian government and support partner Australia Post, we are proud to be hosting the Many Cultures, One Game Festival which will feature entertainment from multicultural communities, food stalls, and free activities for families to enjoy.
“As Australia continues to change and welcome new communities – so must the AFL, and through partnerships with community and Government, we can continue to be part of bringing people together, building social capital and acceptance,” said Mr Auld.
As part of the announcement, Mr Andrews also launched a new social media campaign – Embrace Diversity – to coincide with the AFL Multicultural Round.
The campaign, which has support from stakeholders across the business, community, philanthropic and not-for-profit sectors, will encourage support for cultural diversity across various social media channels.
Premier Daniel Andrews said: “What better way to unite people than through a shared passion for our greatest game? I urge Victorians to join the conversation and help us #embracediversity.”
The 2015 Toyota AFL Multicultural Round will be celebrated from 7 – 9 August across all nine AFL matches during Round 19 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Multicultural Round highlights the contribution multicultural communities have made to the game and welcomes new communities to embrace Australian Football as fans, players, umpires or administrators.
For more details on the 2015 Toyota AFL Multicultural Round, please visit: http://www.afl.com.au/multiculturalround
For more details on the #EmbraceDiversity campaign, please visit: www.embracediversity.com
