After successfully reaching more than 800 culturally diverse children in 2012 through the GC SUNS Multicultural Schools Program, the club has introduced the social inclusion program designed to use AFL as a means to integrate international students, migrants, and refugees into the wider Gold Coast community.
As part of the program, SIPS members will reap a number of great benefits that include the chance to meet with GC SUNS players, assist in the making of the game-day banner, take part in an AFL accredited umpire educational course for members at all levels and two tickets to watch the GC SUNS in action when they take on North Melbourne in Round 11 at Metricon Stadium on Saturday 8 June.
Speaking following an introductory AFL skills session at Griffith University, midfielder Joel Wilkinson said the SIPS program would provide all international students the opportunity to experience Australian culture outside of the classroom.
“Many of these students have come from a European background where they grew up playing soccer, tennis and ice-hockey, so picking up a sherrin is completely foreign to them,” said Wilkinson.
“What better way to embrace our rich Australian culture than by coming down here and learning the skills of Australia’s game.”
GC SUNS Multicultural Programs Officer – Michael Gugliotta, said the GC SUNS were hoping the new community initiative would help bridge the gap between international students and domestic students by using AFL as a means to finding a common ground.
“Multicultural is one of the key pillars through the GC SUNS community engagement strategies, and we’re hoping the SIPS program will create an avenue for the club to engage with different cultural groups,” said Gugliotta.
“Today they got to meet (AFL Multicultural Ambassador) Joel Wilkinson and take part in a basic AFL skills session, and they’ll also have the opportunity to tour Metricon Stadium and see some of the Club’s training facilities.”
“We expect to have around 500 registered participants before the North Melbourne clash so hopefully they’ll turn up in force and help cheer our GC SUNS on to victory.”
