The Gold Coast SUNS launched their 2012 Multicultural Schools Program at Helensvale State Primary School last week.
The new program will see the SUNS invest $60,000 over 3 years to offer students with a multicultural background an exciting introduction to AFL.
The Multicultural Schools initiative is a partnership between the Gold Coast SUNS, the AFL and the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast.
AFL Multicultural Ambassadors, Joel Wilkinson and Karmichael Hunt, will represent the SUNS, continuing the outstanding work they have been doing as part of the Australia Post AFL multicultural schools program.
In their role as ambassadors, Wilkinson and Hunt represent some of the many diverse backgrounds in football and encourage individuals and groups to unite through their love of the game.
Throughout the year, the pair will spend time working with various local cultural groups.
Wilkinson, who hails from Nigeria, will also work one day a week with AFL Queensland focusing on the development of a community club cultural development program.
Wilkinson said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“This is an area I am very passionate about and with the support of the Gold Coast SUNS, the AFL and Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast, I believe the program will make a huge difference.”
Hunt who is Cook Island/Samoan and grew up in New Zealand, will continue his role through the Northern Gold Coast region.
The area boasts a high Pan Pacific island population and is one of the club’s three areas of social responsibility support.
Hunt will also perform ambassadorial roles across other AFL programs.
“The role AFL football already plays in helping people acclimatise to life in Australia is extraordinary and this program will add to that on the Gold Coast over the coming years,” Hunt said.
The Gold Coast SUNS new six week Multicultural School Program is aimed at students in grades 5 to 7 across the Gold Coast. Proudly supported by the AFL, the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast, and Australia Post, children get the opportunity to learn about a sport that prides itself on bringing together people from all cultural backgrounds and all walks of life.
The FREE schools program provides:
- A six week program designed to educate children about all areas of AFL (Rules, Careers, Skills and Games)
- Bring together children from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Attend a Gold Coast SUNS match at Metricon Stadium
- Chance to meet and participate with Gold Coast SUNS players
Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast’s Norm Steere said he was pleased to partner with the GC SUNS.
“Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast is thrilled to partner with the Gold Coast SUNS through their multicultural program in particular as it focuses on social inclusion in sport.”
“Everyone at the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast has been impressed with the Gold Coast Football Club and believes the SUNS are doing the Gold Coast proud in the community space.”
