For the majority of attendees, the match was their first contact with the AFL and North Melbourne helped make it an unforgettable experience. As part of the visit, 48 children and 20 parents participated in the NAB AusKick halftime matches.
This special visit is linked to North Melbourne’s new community ambassador program, which kicked off in Ballarat during this year’s Harmony Week. In March, Charles Zhang and Koang Pan Jock and their families were appointed as inaugural North Melbourne Community Ambassadors.
Charles and Koang, together with the City of Ballarat’s Coordinator Cultural Diversity Frances Salenga, were instrumental in ensuring the children were ready for their big day on the MCG’s hallowed turf. North Melbourne delivered a presentation to children and parents at Eureka Stadium prior to the match and held two training sessions.
“The great successful night at MCG on Saturday night was truly reflective of great communities efforts and achievements. To get so many kids from so many different cultural background, play traditional Australian sport at MCG in front of tens thousands people and millions TV viewers is a great achievement,” Charles Zhang said.
“Thanks to North Melbourne Football Club for providing this great opportunity and helping us right from the beginning, and we are looking at how much more we can do to Ballarat communities with your involvement.”
The Chinese Association, African Association, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, and City of Ballarat Multicultural Ambassadors were also there on the night and tickets were provided by the AFL’s Multicultural Program’s Match Visitation initiative. The initiative aims to provide a live AFL match experience to migrants and refugees.
North Melbourne’s commitment to Ballarat’s community continues in Round 9 when international students from the University of Ballarat will watch North Melbourne take on the Western Bulldogs.
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