Wests Tigers player Kevin Naiqama joined NRL Ambassadors Dene Halatau (former Wests Tigers player), Sam Bremner (current Harvey Norman Jillaroos player) and more than 300 students from Western Sydney today to celebrate the NRL’s fifth annual ‘Harmony Festival’.
The Festival coincided with the completion of another round of the NRL’s ‘In League In Harmony’ program, which has been running since 2012 and has reached thousands of students across hundreds of schools.
Students attending today’s Festival completed the seven-week ‘In League In Harmony course, with lessons and themes including social cohesion, team-work, diversity and self-value.
NRL Head of Community and Government Relations, Jaymes Boland-Rudder said the Festival was one of many opportunities for rugby league to embrace and celebrate the many cultures involved at all levels of the game.
“Rugby League is enjoyed by many nationalities and people of all abilities and it is this inclusive spirit that enriches our game,” Mr Boland-Rudder said.
“The In League In Harmony program is another example of the power of our sport to educate and influence youth to believe in themselves and support one another, along with their communities, to promote positive social change.”
The ‘In League In Harmony’ program is proudly supported by the New South Wales Government.
New South Wales Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Disability Services, Ray Williams MP attended today’s Festival and congratulated students on their achievements.
“I am proud our state is one of the most diverse and cohesive in the world,” Minister Williams said.
“It is a pleasure to celebrate the contributions of the NRL and in particular, affirm the principles of the ‘In League In Harmony’ program.
“Our migration story is a hallmark of our society, and the NRL recognises this by promoting the achievements and stories of our players, officials, parents and children and the countless volunteers involved in this great game.”
Today’s Harmony Festival included the NRL’s traditional Harmony Walk, together with a range of wheelchair and touch rugby league matches, along with a Taste of Harmony lunch and a presentation of certificates to students on their completion of the ‘In League In Harmony’ course.
Don’t miss Legends Day as we celebrate some of the greats of old against the Dragons!
