COLLINGWOOD defender Harry O'Brien has praised the role Australian football can play in bringing together people from diverse backgrounds.
O'Brien, who was born in Brazil, was speaking at the launch of the AFL's Multicultural Round, which was held at North Melbourne's Aegis Park training base.
"Quite often our cultural diversity is something which polarises us, which keeps us separate, which creates different groups and creates conflict," O'Brien said.
"But the Australian Football League is leading the way in society. I'm extremely proud of how far we have come as a League.
"The AFL has a responsibility because it has a huge influence on this country.
"Not only does the AFL engage people through entertainment but also through a deeper level.
"We must use this responsibility wisely because the potential for us to create change and bring people together is enormous."
The launch was attended by Victorian Multicultural Affairs Minister Nick Kotsiras, who arrived in Australia from Greece in the 1960s.
"I do not see differences as divisive," Kotsiras said. "I see it as unity and strength and the AFL is part of that.
"The AFL is a prime example of how we can make things work together - provided we are united and provided we continue to live in peace and harmony with each other."
AFL community engagement manager Jason Mifsud also spoke about football ability to cross cultural divides.
"As the son of an Aboriginal woman and a Maltese father, I understand the power that Australian football has played in bringing many Australians together over many years," Mifsud said.
"And the AFL's relationship with multicultural communities is not a new relationship. It goes back to the early years of the VFL."
Multicultural Round activities include:
- Umpires will use orange flags. Orange is the international colour of harmony
- Players from multicultural backgrounds will toss the coin
- Half-time NAB AFL Auskick will include children from multicultural backgrounds
- The World XVIII team and a South Pacific team will compete in the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships this week
- Cultural Diversity forums will be held in Victoria, NSW, QLD, SA and WA
- North Melbourne will host activities at Aegis Park on Sunday before the game at Etihad Stadium against the Western Bulldogs. A match between the NMFC Indigenous Academy and the Multicultural Academy will be held from 2pm
- A community walk from Aegis Park to Etihad Stadium will take place, with participants from North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs communities coming together. Key historical and cultural landmarks will be recognised along the way and members from Victoria Police will also take part
- Artists from the Victorian Multicultural Arts will perform on the concourse at Etihad Stadium outside Gate 7 from 3.30pm. Entertainment will include performances by the Burundian drummers, Brazilian drummers and the Asanti Dance Theatre
- A multicultural super clinic will take place before the Melbourne and Port Adelaide game at TIO Stadium, Darwin on Saturday, July 16
- A Harmony Match between the Edmund Rice Lions and Indigenous Academy will be held in Perth on Friday, July 15 at midday, Barry Britton Oval (Balga)
- A special multicultural edition of Flash Footy will air on Fox Sports on Wednesday, July 13 at 7pm
