Richmond has a strong commitment to community, which extends to inclusiveness of diverse groups, and providing cultural awareness training to its players and staff .
Earlier this year, Jack Riewoldt and Ivan Maric facilitated a cultural awareness session with the playing group and coaches, which included presentations from the Club’s multicultural staff and players.
The session aimed to provide staff and players with further awareness and understanding of different cultures, religions and people.
In addition to this, four schools, including Christ Our Holy Redeemer (Oakleigh East), St Peters School (Clayton), Richmond West and Blackburn English Language School, have started participating in the AFL Multicultural Schools Program.
The program introduces Australian Rules football to students through a series of practical clinics.
The Club now has over 300 people in its Indian Supporter Group. Richmond aims to engage the Indian community in activities and events, to build more fans of the Tigers and the game of Aussie Rules.
Key defender, Alex Rance, met 102-year-old Indian marathon runner, Fauja Singh, in the change rooms before the Tigers’ Round 1 clash with Carlton. Singh is well known in the Indian community for running his first marathon at the age of 89, in London. He went on to complete eight more 42km races.
Richmond footballer and community ambassador, Ivan Maric, will commence a football program with 30 participants in the Fitzroy Housing Estate, in partnership with the Victorian Police.
The program aims to engage at-risk youths in active participation through Australian Rules football.
For more information about Richmond’s work with multicultural communities, click here.