Harmony Day launched at the ‘G

Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, will launch proceedings along with Cricket Australia Chairman Wally Edwards, marking the start of the campaign that, on March 21, celebrates Australia’s diversity and is the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The theme for Harmony Day 2012 is sport; a celebration that everyone is welcome to participate and engage in sport in Australia, regardless of their background – making the MCG a fitting backdrop for the occasion.

Cricket Australia Chairman Wally Edwards said the occasion is a significant opportunity for Cricket Australia and the Australian Government to align their shared goal of engaging Australia’s diverse population in sport.

“Cricket Australia has the vision of cricket as Australia’s favourite sport and ensuring we’re an inclusive sport is critical to achieving this,” Mr Edwards said.

“The Diversity arm of our Game Development department is taking great strides in the area of inclusion and the Harmony Day launch at the MCG gives us the chance to place diversity on the main stage at an international match.

“Harmony Day is naturally linked to Cricket Australia’s goals and the partnership with the Australian Government heightens the message of cricket as a sport for all.”

Harmony Day is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and Senator Lundy said Australia is a proud sporting nation and the MCG was definitely a theatre of dreams for many young people.

“This year Harmony Day will celebrate the important role sport plays in bringing Australians from all walks of life together to share in a common passion and strive for a common goal,” Senator Lundy said.

“The aim of Harmony Day 2012 is to encourage everyone, regardless of their religion or background, to participate in a sporting activity and increase their understanding of other cultures by engaging with their community.

“Sport fosters a wonderful sense of belonging, and acceptance and helps build bridges of understanding and respect. Team sport in particular teaches all of us that everyone belongs.

“With this sporting theme in mind, it is fantastic to be working with Cricket Australia to be launching the event this year before the second International T20 match between Australia and India at the MCG.”

Harmony Day began in 1999. Since then a wide variety of groups including sports organisations, community groups, local government, schools and businesses have staged more than 25,000 Harmony Day events.