25 February 2008
Young soccer players from right across the world will come together to play for the first ever Cultural Diversity Cup in Altona this week.
The Cup, held from 11am on 2 March at Altona East Soccer Ground, will feature three competition matches, with players from Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia due to take part. The Grand Final kicks off at 3:20pm.
Long-standing rivals SBS and Channel 31 will also go head to head in a special feature match, refereed by Vasili Kanidiadis, from Channel 31’s hit program, Vasili’s Garden.
Melbourne Victory has also got into the spirit, providing match balls for the day.
Managing Director of City West Water, Anne Barker, said it is really proud to sponsor the event.
“The Diversity Cup will feature players from around the globe, including Burma, Ethiopia and Vietnam. Our community is equally diverse, with around a third speaking a language other than English at home,” Ms Barker said
“At City West Water, we recognise we have an important place in the community. That’s why we’re pleased to help celebrate our cultural diversity in this way.”
George Lekakis, Chairman of the Victorian Multicultural Commission said the Cultural Diversity Cup promises to be an exciting day for everyone.
“The battle for this Cup promises to be a great celebration as well as a fine display of sporting prowess on the field. It is a wonderful opportunity for members of different cultures and backgrounds to come together and celebrate their diversity,” he said.
Footscray Multicultural Liaison Officer Leading Senior Constable Craig Spicer, is part of the organising committee and will be chief commentator on the day.
“It is great to see so many local organisations coming together to make this soccer tournament possible,” he said.
“Not only is it a fantastic opportunity for the players to celebrate their cultural differences and their common love of the sport, it is also a great way for organisations like Victoria Police, City West Water and the MFB to build relationships with the local community.”
The Cultural Diversity Cup is sponsored by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and City West Water, and supported by Victoria Police, Football Federation Victoria, TAC and MFB. It is part of the Victorian Government’s Cultural Diversity Week celebrations, which run from 17 to 23 March.