Three Central Coast Mariners players visited Avoca Beach Public School as part of Harmony Round, a partnership between Football Federation Australia and Harmony Day to spread the message ‘everybody belongs’.
Mariners, Brad McDonald, Fabio Ferreira and Luis Garcia visited Avoca Beach Primary School on March 15. Harmony Round showcased cultural diversity and in particular, how multiculturalism can enrich football in Australia with Clubs from the Hyundai A-League conducting school visits whilst home grounds were transformed into a celebration of diversity among players, spectators, supporters and partners.
FFA CEO, Mr David Gallop said sport plays an important role in building inclusive communities. “Harmony Day celebrates multicultural Australia and coincides with the United Nations International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,” Gallop said. “It’s a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home. “Almost half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was.
“That’s why Football Federation Australia has partnered with Harmony Day to help spread the Harmony Day message, ‘everyone belongs’, among players, fans, supporters and partners,” he said. Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Craig Laundy MP, said he values the partnership between Football Federation Australia and Harmony Day because it provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life who are part of Australia’s football community to learn about the purpose behind Harmony Day and the celebration of cultural diversity. “Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone,” Mr Laundy said. “On or off the fi eld, our cultural diversity makes us stronger. It makes Australia a great place to live.”
Media release, Mar 14, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners