Houli, 20, is the first devout Muslim to play AFL. He praised Essendon Football Club’s support of the festival and similar initiatives.
“Essendon does a lot for the community and I guess my inclusion in the AFL brings a new dimension to the communities the club is able to engage with,” he said.
“Essendon have shown that it is not just about football, it is about appreciating who people are beyond football.”
Houli said the festival was positive in bringing families together and celebrating their beliefs.
“Ramadan is an important event on the Muslim calendar in which participants fasted for a one month period in order to teach patience and discipline,” he said.
“It was great to see everyone at the festival meeting each other and seeing everyone so happy.”
The festival featured entertainment, rides and sporting activities. Houli provided supporters and community members with signed footballs and merchandise on behalf of the Essendon Football Club’s Multicultural program.
