World Footy News

An AFL delegation, led by former Adelaide Crows champion Andrew McLeod, has been invited to address a forum on racism in sport at the United Nations in Geneva on Australia Day. The high level, interactive panel discussion on `Combating Racism Through Sport’ will be held next Wednesday, January 26, at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Panelists will include dual Norm Smith medalist and Adelaide premiership player Andrew McLeod, the AFL’s National Community Engagement Manager Jason Mifsud, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Mick Gooda Andrew McLeod joined the AFL as Community Engagement and Talent Co-ordinator and coach of the Flying Boomerangs in 2010 after a career spanning 340 games and two premierships with the Adelaide Crows. He is also a member of the Australian Football Indigenous Team of the Century.


He said the UN forum in Geneva was a great opportunity to highlight the work that’s been done to tackle racism, both on and off the field. “Since the widely publicized incidents involving Nicky Winmar and Michael Long in the 1990s, the AFL has worked hard to address racial abuse through its Racial and Religious Vilification Code which has set a new benchmark for Australian sport,” he said. “I am passionate about working with young people in indigenous communities so they can have the same wonderful opportunities I have enjoyed through my involvement with Australian football.”

In a video message to be delivered to the UN, AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said: “Our game represents so much of what makes modern Australia – community, equality, creativity and compassion – but most importantly it is a game that provides an opportunity for all. “The reality is it took several painful episodes of racial abuse more than a decade ago for us to confront the issue of racism both on and off the field. As a consequence, I’m proud to say that the AFL of today has emerged an aggressive and purposeful leader of change and that so many people from so many different backgrounds have found a real sense of equality and compassion through our game.”

Jason Mifsud said a range of programs aimed at indigenous communities over the past decade has helped more than double the number of indigenous players at the elite level, with 85 indigenous players listed by AFL clubs in 2010. This represents 11 per cent of total AFL players. “The AFL has also introduced multicultural football programs to engage new arrivals to Australia and help them engage with their local communities. We know that disadvantage still exists, particularly in indigenous communities, but we are committed to continuing to make a difference,” he said.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Kate Lundy, who will travel to Geneva next week to lead Australia’s delegation before the United Nations Human Rights Council, will be attending the panel discussion. “I am looking forward to representing Australia at the United Nations. Once again it demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to engaging with the international community to promote and protect human rights at home, in our region and in the rest of the world,” she said. “Promoting equality in sports helps build stronger, more inclusive communities and sends a positive message to sports fans and the broader community. The AFL should be proud of the steps it’s taken to tackle racism in sport.”