The Unity Cup is a unique sporting event offered to the multicultural youth of Australia which promotes social cohesion and harmony. It is based around Australian Rules Football and aims to break down social barriers and bring together different religions and cultures through the sport that Australia loves.
Initially created by the Australian Federal Police and the Essendon Football Club in 2006, The Unity Cup was a great success and is now supported by the AFL Multicultural Program, Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Hawthorn Football Clubs.
On Wednesday 18th July, the Essendon Football Club held a celebration dinner for participants to mark the end of a very successful season of Unity Cup in 2012.
In this year’s competition, participants came from a vast number of cultures and religions. Teams were represented by Muslim, Jewish, Africa, Southeast Asian and Indigenous communities. Although most of the teams were Victorian, this year also saw teams of participants from Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.
All 12 teams participated in a round robin style competition to determine the winners of the Unity Cup 2012. A team called MUJU, which was entirely made up of those from Muslim and Jewish communities, were the champions of the day.
Essendon Football Club’s Community Manager Cameron Britt said that “the Unity Cup helps to break down barriers and bring together Australia’s diverse multicultural society.
The Essendon Football Club is a proud founding partner and ongoing contributor to this important annual competition.”
