Until now AFL had a difficult task to reach to the new migrants who have never heard of Australian football, which is a unique Australian game with little exposure in the international circuit.
But now with a particular focus on the delivery and evaluation of the league’s multicultural programs nationally, AFL has started reaching to the new settlers of the country especially the South East Asian countries.
Sunil Menon, Multicultural Participation & Stakeholder Manager at the AFL told SBS Punjabi that they are excited to partner with the Australian Sikh community for the 2018 Sikh Games.
“For the first time, Australian Rules football will be played at the Sikh games,” said Mr Menon.
“We will have 4 teams competing in an AFL 9s format a non contact version of the game.
“With a growing Indian community in Australia, we feel it is extremely important to be part of major community events, and the games present a unique opportunity to have the AFL engage with the broader Indian community.
“This is thanks to a partnership between the AFL, AFL NSW, GWS Giants and of course the Australian Sikh Games committee.
“We look forward to this competition on Saturday and having footy as a key part of the Sikh games for many years to come.
The Australian Sikh Games are the premier sporting and cultural event for the Australian Sikh community.
AFL collaborates with Australian Sikh Games Source: Supplied
The Games are held every year in capital cities and major regional areas around Australia.
The 31st Australian Sikh Games will be held at Sydney over the Easter weekend from 30th March to 1st April 2017.
The event is expected to attract over 70,000 spectators. More than 2500 athletes from across Australia and abroad will be competing in 14 different sports categories.
