Nathan Gray Multicultural Community Ambassador of the Year

Strathfield South High School teacher Nathan Gray has been named 2015 AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Community Ambassador of the Year.

Gray, who heads the PDHPE/Sport program at Strathfield South High, was chosen ahead of a raft of other outstanding nominees, his consistently proactive work at one of Sydney’s most diverse secondary schools proving impossible to ignore.

More than 89% of students at Gray’s High School speak a language other than English at home, and a significant chunk have parents that were born overseas, but through his enthusiasm and encouragement Gray led hundreds of his students to experience and enjoy Australia’s Game.

Gray has been a Multicultural Community Ambassador for the last two years, and been heavily involved with the AFL since 2013.

During his time, he’s been instrumental in introducing AFL to a student base unfamiliar with the sport. He has been involved in coordinating a series of AFL initiatives including talent testing and development programs, player visits, and gala days.

AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Programs Manager Nickie Flambouras praised Gray’s enthusiasm and drive.

“Nathan’s passion, commitment to the students, energy and collaborative approach to this partnership with NSW/ACT means he is a very deserving winner of the Multicultural Community Ambassador of the Year award,” Flambouras said.

“I’d also like to sincerely thank Strathfield South High School Principal Simon Paterson for his ongoing support of AFL programs and initiatives throughout the year.”

Each year the AFL Multicultural Program recruits state Multicultural Community Ambassadors to connect with local communities and help build awareness of the game. 10 Multicultural Community Ambassadors were appointed in 2015 from a range of cultural backgrounds, including Korean, Philippines, Sudan, Syria, Sierra Leone and Indonesia.

For more information on the AFL Multicultural Program please contact Nickie Flambouras at nickie.flambouras@aflnswact.com.au.