GIANTS make Grand Final at 32nd Sikh Games
The annual Australian Sikh Games – a sporting and cultural event for the Australian Sikh community – were held in Melbourne over the weekend with six teams from the AFL entering the AFL 9s component of the competition.
The GWS GIANTS, Melbourne, Essendon, North Melbourne, Adelaide and St. Kilda all participated in the 32nd Australian Sikh Games, in only the second year that Australian Football has been a part of the competition.
Making it through the early rounds undefeated, the GWS GIANTS side played off in the Grand Final, however, were beaten by Melbourne 44-13. Despite the loss, Sukhdeep Singh, also known as AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Ambassador, L-Fresh the Lion said he was extremely proud of his team.
“[I’m] proud of this squad. Not just the team I played with over the weekend at the 32nd Australian Sikh Games, but everybody who made AFL happen in a big way this year,” said Singh.
“I’m not going to pretend like I’m a good at footy because I’m not. But I had mad fun running around in GWS GIANTS colours, representing Sydney with these fellas, and going undefeated until the Grand Final.
“The best part about all of it though is seeing the kids have a run at the game they love, and seeing a community rally behind in support. I can’t wait to see someone from the community in the AFL pro’s one day. I have no doubt that those kids will come through having played AFL at the Sikh Games.”
Craig Hundle was named the GWS GIANTS’ Most Valuable Player for the tournament.
Players and spectators from all over the country and overseas, including New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada and the UK participated in a wide array of traditional Indian and Australian sporting events during the Games.
Drawing crowds of up to 50, 000 – 60,000 people over three days, the Games are surrounded by the excitement of entertainment, food stalls and fun for the whole family.
The focus of the Games is to not only bring people with a passion for sport together, but also to present an occasion for the wider community to celebrate its unique cultural identity, as Sikhs and as Australians.
The 202 Australian Sikh Games will be held in Western Australia.
If you would like more information on our multicultural programs, please contact AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Programs Manager, Nickie Flambouras at nickie.flambouras@afl.com.au.
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