AFL Multicultural Round celebrates diversity and community engagement

Held over the weekend, the AFL's Multicultural Round is a themed round to acknowledge and celebrate the game's cultural diversity.

The AFL Multicultural Round will celebrate 'Many Cultures. One Game - Australia's Game' the Multicultural round highlights community engagement initiatives currently being undertaken by the Australian football industry, as well as the many players from culturally diverse backgrounds, who make up 9% of the AFL player list.

Since it started in 2005, the AFL Multicultural Program has ensured that more than 50,000 people from migrant families have experienced AFL games and come into contact with their own local football communities.

AFL Multicultural Round gives a platform to celebrate the role multicultural communities have played in the game over the last 150 years and importantly to encourage new communities to enjoy the game as supporters, players or administrators in the future.

Australian football has the extraordinary power to bring people together regardless of their background and we respect this position enormously.

Among many initiatives to mark the AFL's Multicultural Round, Victorian Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher welcomed over 300 international students to Sundays clash between Essendon and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The gathering is one of several GloBALL sporting events throughout the year, which are specifically designed to introduce international students to Victoria's sporting life and make them feel part of the community.

Minister Asher explained "GloBALL is a great way to learn about Victorians and their culture and to experience the sports that fire-up everyone's passion and energy.

"The Multicultural AFL Round highlights that Victorians value our multicultural heritage, which is why so many people are attracted to visit, study and live here.

"The Victorian ... Government wants all international students to have the best possible experience during their time in Victoria."

GLoBALL is sponsored by Essendon Football Club, Cricket Victoria and Netball Victoria, with the Victorian Government supporting the popular program to enable it to continue until 2014.

For more information go to www.globall.com.au/

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