THE ability of sport to bring people from disparate backgrounds together was emphasised by speakers at Wyndham Track and Field club’s formal launch earlier this month.
New Lalor MP Joanne Ryan said sport had always been a great equaliser in Australia and an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together.
That statement was reiterated by Cr Gautam Gupta who was also on hand to unfurl the new athletic club’s banner at the VU sporting complex in Hoppers Crossing.
“What is most commendable is the degree to which the club has engaged the community in its short existence,” Cr Gupta said.
Since being formed, Wyndham Track and Field’s guiding philosophy has centred around bringing the community together through sport.
The club currently has members from African, Asian and European backgrounds as well as Australian backgrounds.
Ms Ryan said it was this which had won a grant from the Labor Federal Government.
She added that her visits to the club had shown that, like any sporting club, there was an emphasis on competition and personal achievements, but the importance of team work and inclusion was always highlighted.
“In a rapidly growing region like our own, I think this sense of connectedness and belonging is vital,” Ms Ryan said.
“With more than 31 per cent of residents born overseas and over 100 languages spoken locally, we are a multicultural community and it’s important we embrace the benefits that come with this.
“And local clubs and organisations play a really big role in acting as the glue within our community.”
With the new athletics season approaching full swing, Wyndham Track and Field is eager to hear from any potential new members in the community.
The club can be contacted at wyndhamtf@gmail.com.
