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West Heidelberg community unites to celebrate Harmony Day |
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| 19 Mar 2009 |
 Olympic Park in West Heidelberg will be awash with cultural colour and community spirit as Mission Australia and the Heidelberg United Football Club help the community celebrate Harmony Day on Saturday 21 March.The day will give disadvantaged and disengaged African migrant and refugee families the opportunity to be included in local sporting groups and a community festival. Twenty scholarships from Heidelberg United FC will be presented to African migrant children participating in Mission Australia’s African Pathways Program to participate in football-based activities throughout the year. Celebrations at Olympic Park coincide with week-long Federal and State Government initiatives to bring rise to cultural diversity and living in harmony with one another. Mission Australia State Director, Paul Bird says Harmony Day is all about respect, inclusiveness and a sense of belonging for everyone. “Through the Heidelberg United FC scholarships, African migrant and refugee children will have the opportunity for the first time to participate in what most families take for granted – the joy and friendship of local sport,” said Mr Bird. “Enabling these children to be socially included through sport will do so much to develop their life skills.” Heidelberg United FC vice-President, John Lioupas says Harmony Day represents the ethos of the club and the community. “We love our community and we’re proud that the make-up of our club and community represents so many different cultures,” said Mr Lioupas. “The scholarships on offer will pay for one year of club membership to disadvantaged families. “It’s the least we can do to ensure disadvantaged families are getting the opportunity to engage in community sport and get the necessary health and fitness outcomes to lead a positive lifestyle early in life.” This day is one of several initiatives to introduce local families to the football club, promoting opportunities and greater participation in sport. “All local families are invited to meet the club, participate in a barbeque and family fun day activities starting at 12pm,” said Mr Lioupas. Local celebrities and politicians will be in attendance on the day including: The Hon. Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Member for Jagajaga; Jenny Mikakos MP, Member for Northern Metropolitan Region; Craig Langdon MP, Member for Ivanhoe; and Cr Anthony Carbines, Councillor, Banyule City Council.. Mission Australia’s Harmony Day celebrations are funded by the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Media inquiries: Phil Smith – Mission Australia: (03) 8317 0111 or 0407 860 528 NB: There will be a training session at 6.30pm on Thursday 19 March for children taking part in the program for media wanting to obtain photos and stories before Harmony Day. Available for media interviews and photographs:
Event details:
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