Essendon’s Andrew Welsh will launch the Club’s GloBALL program at Federation Square today as part of the Welcome to International Students event.

 

The GloBALL Program uses Australian Rules Football to break down misconceptions and strengthen cross-cultural ties between people of different backgrounds while offering positive and active experiences for international students during their time in Australia.

 

Approximately 100 international students will be involved in the GloBALL Program in 2009, participating in a variety of activities and engagement opportunities throughout the year. Some of the activities in the program include an introduction to the game, visits to Windy Hill and the National Sports Museum, career and health seminars as well as AFL Football skill clinics and games.

 

“Australian Rules Football is ingrained in this country’s culture and we believe it has an important role to play in enhancing the experience of Melbourne’s international student community,” Essendon CEO and Managing Director Peter Jackson said.

 

“We want to make them feel welcome and included and Essendon Football Club firmly believes it has a role to play in the promotion of social cohesion.” 

 

As part of the program of events of the Welcome to International students event, Chair of the Prosperous and Knowledge City Committee Councillor Carl Jetter will welcome new international students to Melbourne.
 
Councillor Jetter encourages international and local students to come along and find out about the great activities on offer in the City, including Melbourne’s obsession with the nation’s favourite sport, Aussie Rules Footy.
 
""Melbourne is officially the sports capital of the world, and nothing symbolises this great city more than our passion for Aussie Rules. Just as the 2009 AFL season has arrived in Melbourne so have many international students eager to integrate into Melbourne life.""
 
""Melbourne is one of the leading destinations in the world for international students and they make a significant contribution to our cultural and social life. We are fortunate to welcome 25,000students from around the world who bring with them experiences, stories and perspectives which add to the diversity of our wonderful city.""
 
""We want to show our appreciation and celebrate the students’ arrival to Melbourne by hosting the welcome day which will be jam-packed with fun activities, prizes and entertainment.""
 
""The event is designed to welcome international students to the city and provide them with an opportunity to meet other young people, experience the myriad of cultures Melbourne has to offer and ultimately have fun,"" Councillor Jetter said.
 

Highlights of this year’s event include performances by contemporary African dance band Musiki Manjaro, Brazilian dance performers Katumba, and bhangra DJ Rhythm and Spice. There will also be roving performers, live crocodile feeding, as well as interactive and informative stalls to celebrate cultural diversity in Melbourne.