Tune into SUNS TV for the full storyThe Gold Coast SUNS have today launched their 2012 Multicultural Schools Program.
The new program launched at Helensvale State Primary School will see the Gold Coast SUNS invest $60,000 over 3 years into the program which offers students with a multicultural background an exciting introduction to AFL.
The Multicultural Schools initiative is a partnership between the Gold Coast SUNS, The Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast and the AFL.
Joel Wilkinson and Karmichael Hunt will represent the GC SUNS as Multicultural Ambassadors continuing the outstanding work the pair have been doing as part of the AFL multicultural schools program which is supported by Australia Post.
As Multicultural Ambassadors, Wilkinson and Hunt represent some of the many diverse backgrounds in football and will encourage individuals and groups to unite through their love of the game.
Throughout the year, the pair will spend time working with various local groups, their goal to assist in uniting individuals and communities from all ethnicities across the country.
Joel 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 told goldcoastfc.com.au that he was looking forward to the role.
"This is an area I am very passionate about and with the support of the Gold Coast SUNS and Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast, I believe the program will make a huge difference a on the Gold Coast."
Karmichael Hunt who is Cook Island/Samoan and grew up in New Zealand, will continue his role through the Northern Gold Coast region, which boasts a high Pan Pacific island population, one of the Club’s three areas of social responsibility support as well as performing ambassadorial roles across 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 student in grades 5 to 7 across the Gold Coast. Proudly supported by the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast, the AFL 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.”
