Yeon kicking goals for multiculturalism
By James Matthey
If ever there was proof that AFL is spreading its wings and bringing diverse social groups closer together, then Sue Yeon is it.
Yeon, born in Korea, was recognised as the national Multicultural Community Ambassador of the Year for 2013 due to her extensive work with both AFL NSW/ACT and the Korean community in Sydney.
Yeon said she was thrilled to receive the prestigious honour.
“I am so excited to be selected as the Ambassador of the Year and it is an honour to be recognised by people how much I love AFL and what I have achieved in this year.
“I am very proud of what I have achieved this year, and am more motivated to promote and engage AFL within the Korean community.”
Yeon’s passion and love of the game has led her to achieve a host of significant accomplishments throughout the course of the year, particularly with regards to getting children more involved in the sport.
She has been instrumental in helping AFL NSW/ACT organise a school football program for Korean youngsters in the Sydney/Illawarra region, and has actively promoted the social benefits of playing football to school kids by encouraging them to attend a number of school holiday camps.
As part of her desire to spread the appeal of AFL across cultural barriers, Yeon has encouraged members of her Korean community to attend matches during the season, distributing over 350 tickets to GWS GIANTS games throughout the year.
She played a vital role in getting fellow Koreans involved in the AFL’s Multicultural Round, inviting key members of the community to attend the Chairman’s Function and giving them a taste of the thrill of experiencing a live AFL game.
AFL Head of Diversity, Jason Mifsud, congratulated Yeon on her outstanding achievement.
“Sue has proven she is a positive and an inspiring multicultural role model, particularly within the Korean community.
“She has been instrumental in organising and promoting AFL focused school holiday programs aimed at engaging the Korean community in the Illawarra region.
“She is also a fanatical AFL supporter and has been able to share her passion with the community, distributing over 350 tickets to GWS Giants games to the Korean community.”
The AFL Multicultural Community ambassador program aims to further engage with the multicultural communities through the establishment of a network of community ambassadors who help develop and promote Australian Football in their communities across the country.