Launched for the first time this year, the AFL is celebrating the diverse cultural tapestry of Australian Football with the Cultural Heritage Series; nine matches across the season that spotlight how football can bring people together.
Following the return of Welcome Game in 2024, the GIANTS will host Richmond in their Cultural Heritage Series match in round 12.
With the support of Multicultural NSW, the GIANTS will deliver a Cultural Festival from 12:15pm featuring cultural performances, interactive stations and activities ahead of the 4:15pm bounce on Saturday, following a week-long celebration of diversity and workshops at the club.
The Minister for Multiculturalism, Hon. Stephen Kamper has been a key supporter of the initiative.
“The GIANTS has always championed diversity in Western Sydney, and the Cultural Heritage Series game acknowledges the contributions multicultural communities have made to the club and to the region,” Minister Kamper said.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the stories, traditions and language of the people that live in Sydney’s west.”
The lead into the match will be a week-long celebration of multiculturalism and football, including engagement with local schools, cultural awareness sessions for players and staff and a celebration of the diverse heritage of our AFL athletes.
Excitingly, Saturday will also see the GIANTS host a Citizenship Ceremony for over 200 people, who will then participate in a photo on the field, in a reflection of the ongoing commitment of the club to engage with the multicultural communities of Western Sydney.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Community and Inclusion, Ali Faraj said:
“The GIANTS represent and are a pillar of one of the most diverse communities in Australia, here in Western Sydney.
“Bringing the Cultural Heritage Series to Sydney is about celebrating our differences and reflecting upon how we are strengthened by them, as well as recognising the contribution of culturally diverse players and fans to the game of Australian rules.
“We’re very proud of the role we play in bringing new people into the AFL fold as fans and players, through our work with schools, our cultural education programs, and Academies around the region.
“Our Cultural Heritage Series match is about welcoming in new and existing fans to the game and showcasing how everyone can love and engage with the club and sport.”
Along with their ongoing support of the Stephen Coniglio and Amanda Farrugia Cups, Multicultural NSW have provided a grant to deliver the match day festival, which amongst a host of performances and activities will include:
- Chinese Lion Dancing
- Arabic Drummers
- Indian Dancers and Drummers
- African Beat drummers
- Greek Dancing
- Vietnamese Dancers
- Scottish Bagpipes
- Lebanese Band
- Pacific Dancers
- Uyghur Dance Group
Tickets to the game are from just $27 adults and kids go free. Get your tickets today and be part of the Cultural Heritage Series match https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/gws-giants-v-richmond-olympic-park-31-05-2025/event/130062299BC61130
