GC Suns player Joel Wilkinson takes on AFL Multicultural Ambassador role for 2012
Gold Coast Suns player Joel Wilkinson has been appointed as an AFL Multicultural Ambassador.
Joel will join fellow Ambassadors Nic Naitanui (Fijian), Leigh Montagna (Italian), Bachar Houli (Lebanese Muslim), David Rodan (Fijian), Harry O’Brien (Brazilian), Israel Folau (Tongan), Karmichael Hunt (Cook Island/Samoan), Majak Daw (Sudanese) and Ahmed Saad (Egyptian Muslim) for the 2012 season.
The former Queensland U18 captain will use his leadership skills to help deliver projects focusing on community education, player mentoring and talent as part of the AFL’s multicultural program.
AFL Queensland Engagement Officer Trent Ryan said Wilkinson was a natural fit for the role.
“Joel is an exceptional young man who demonstrates leadership and depth of character both on and off the field,” said Ryan.
The AFL established its multicultural unit to ensure Australian Football encourages community strengthening and inclusion within wider Australia.
“The main objective of the Multicural program is to help migrant and refugee communities to access AFL,” Ryan explained.
“Joel’s Nigerian background will prove invaluable in our work within culturally diverse communities throughout Queensland and we have no doubt that he will make a significant contribution.
Highlights from the multicultural program in 2011 include enhanced relationships with multicultural media, over 25,000 multicultural visitors to an AFL game (most for the first time) and 850 students involved in Multicultural schools cup.
