A $100,000 event grant from the Victorian government and $50,000 financial assistance from the City of Casey will go towards the staging of the 32nd Annual Australian Sikh Games in Melbourne next year.
Minister for Sports John Eren joined members of Punjabi community at Casey Stadium yesterday to officially launch the countdown to the annual Sikh sports carnival.
While addressing the community leaders, the minister announced an event grant of $100,000 for the Australian Sikh Games.
In a media statement, Mr Eren said: “Sport plays an important role in the cultural traditions of all Victorians and we’re right behind major sporting events that encourage everyone to get together, keep active and stay involved in their local communities.”
“This is a chance for Victorians to enjoy the state’s strong relationship with India and celebrate all things Sikh.”
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Victoria announces $100,000 for Australian Sikh Games
SBS Punjabi
12/09/201809:41
Dalvinder Singh Garcha, President of the Games Organising Committee, thanked the Victorian government and City of Casey for their financial assistance.
“It is amazing to see this overwhelming support,” he told SBS Punjabi. “We are glad that Victoria acknowledges our presence as a growing community that is contributing at both social and economic levels.”
“We’re very thankful to City of Casey who is not only providing an assistance of $50,000 but also providing many grounds and facilities at free of cost."
The annual Sikh Games is the premier sporting and cultural event of the Australian Sikh community that also marks community’s presence at a national level.
Minister for Sport John Eren today joined Dalvinder Garcha, President of the Games Organising Committee, at Casey Stadium to make the announcement. Source: Supplied
The games are a celebration of Sikh culture, promote physical activity and health and well-being, and provide the whole community with the opportunity to tap into a unique sporting and cultural experience.
In a media statement, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott said: “Sikh migrants have had a strong influence on Victoria’s cultural and social development – I encourage everyone to get behind and support the athletes during these Games.”
Competitors from around Australia will compete in 14 sports ranging from traditional games such as kabaddi and tug-o-war to more contemporary sports such as cricket.
Over 100,000 people are expected for the weekend of sports be held at a range of venues throughout the City of Casey in April 2019.
The Sikh Games Organising Committee is preparing for the 32nd Annual Australian Sikh Games to be held in Melbourne next year. Source: Supplied
Mr Garcha told SBS Punjabi that the event is made possible with the help of community organisations from all around Australia.
“These organisations are normally run by volunteers who want to actively contribute to their local Sikh community while also coaching or competing in their chosen sport," he said.
“We’re talking about a huge carnival where more than 3,000 athletes and over 100,000 spectators are expected during the games.
“We’ve set a budget of nearly $600,000. It also includes the expenditure on the free food and drinks [Langar] for the attendees over three days of sports and cultural extravaganza.
“We request all the community members to come forward not only to support this event but also to make 2019 Australian Sikh Games a big success. We’re now looking for volunteers and sponsorship's to run this event.”
The 32nd Annual Australian Sikh Games will be held from 19-21 April 2019 in Melbourne.
The Australian Sikh Games are held every year in capital cities and major regional areas around Australia.
Last year’s games at Sydney attracted more than 100,000 people.
Around 135,000 visitors from India visited Victoria in the 12 months ending September 2017, spending $373 million – a 29 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
