Aliir Aliir joins Multicultural Ambassadors for 2016

Sudanese born, Sydney Swans player Aliir Aliir joins Stephen Coniglio and the now 18-strong working group which, for the first time in its history, includes two female footballers.

This article originally appeared on the Sydney Swans website
By Sydney Swans Media

At an official ceremony at AFL House in Melbourne, the 21-year-old was on Thursday given the official responsibility of promoting the some of many diverse backgrounds within the game of AFL football.

“I’m pretty happy to be inducted in,” Aliir told SwansTV ahead of the ceremony.

“I am multicultural, to be a part of it all and to help kids from different backgrounds understand and play this beautiful game is something I’m very proud of.”

Already an active member of the Sydney Swans in regards to community engagement, Aliir will spend even more time in metropolitan and rural areas with the aim of raising cultural understanding, inclusion and participation at all levels of the game.

He joined Dayne Zorko (Brisbane), Tom Hawkins (Geelong), Tendai Mzungu (Fremantle), Adam Saad (Gold Coast), Tom Nicholls (Gold Coast), Jason Johannisen (Western Bulldogs) plus female representatives Sabrina Frederick-Traub (Melbourne/Peel Thunderbirds) and Darcy Vescio (Western Bulldogs/Darebin Falcons) in the 18-strong group. 

The new additions join existing ambassadors David Zaharakis (Essendon), Stephen Coniglio (GWS), Paul Puopolo (Hawthorn), Shem Tatupu (Hawthorn), Alipate Carlile (Port Adelaide), Jimmy Toumpas (Port Adelaide), Bachar Houli (Richmond), Lin Jong (Western Bulldogs) and Nic Naitanui (West Coast).

“Nic Nat was one of the reasons why I first got into footy,” Aliir added. “So to do some work in the community next to him will be a dream come true.”

The AFL Multicultural Player Ambassadors will be at the forefront of AFL Multicultural Round, to be held in Round 16 of the home and away season.

Aliir will begin official duties as Multicultural Ambassador during the AFL’s round of Community Camps from February 8-9.

NSW/ACT AFL Multicultural Ambassadors

Stephen Coniglio (GWS GIANTS – Italian) will work with the New South Wales Multicultural Talent Academy, help drive AFL Multicultural Round, as well as be a Talent Mentor to multicultural participants in the talent pathway.

Aliir Aliir (Sydney – Sudanese) will support the New South Wales multicultural strategy through key appearances at multicultural events, including AFL Multicultural Round.