Melbourne Multicultural Sports Day 2012: Wrap-up

THERE was something for everyone at the Melbourne Multicultural Sports Day 2012. Yi Lei Goh reports.

The Melbourne Multicultural Sports Day (MMSD) 2012 held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre aimed to promote healthy lifestyles, and interaction between local and international student bodies. The event took place on September 30 and was organised by the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition (VIRWC) and the City of Melbourne.The badminton clinic was the most popular while the rugby clinic had fewer participants. All age groups and skill levels were accommodated. For example, children aged seven and below played touch rugby instead of rugby. They also used shorter badminton nets and racquets. Likewise, lighter, plastic balls were used at the lawn bowling clinic.Dance group PoisE’n Bollypop was also at the event to entertain the crowd. Photo: Yi Lei Goh

Photo: Yi Lei Goh

One of two scholarships being offered by Sports without Borders was awarded to Hani Hosseini, a 26-year-old Iranian who is in his first year of the Master of Project Management programme at the University of Melbourne. The avid Real Madrid supporter plays soccer every week at the university, and came to the MMSD 2012 to indulge in his love for the sport. Hani intends to use the scholarship for professional coaching or to set up a club for fellow soccer enthusiasts.

Despite the lacklustre reception, VIRWC Community Project Officer, Joanna Yau, hopes to have similar events in future. She believes sport is one of the best ways to achieve the event’s goals.

Photo: Yi Lei Goh

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