Multicultural youth from across the country can look forward to new sporting opportunities with the third round of the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program now open.

Minister for Sport and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy explained the program provides grants to organisations of between $5,000 and $50,000 to help youth from new and emerging communities and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate in sport within their local communities.

“Sport is an important part of Australian culture, and as a Government we want to help local sporting organisations better connect with new and emerging communities,” Senator Lundy said.

“Through this program we are helping refugees and new migrants to better understand Australian culture through sport.”

Senator Lundy today joined members of the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club in Melbourne to see how the club is using the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership funding they received last year to help deliver their 'We Don't Like Cricket - We Love it!' program.

“The 'We Don't Like Cricket - We Love it!' program provides great opportunities for local refugee children to participate in weekly cricketing activities in a safe and supporting environment,” Senator Lundy said.

“Sport is a fabulous driver for building participation and inclusion for young Australians from diverse backgrounds – and this is so very clear here in Sunshine.

“The Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership will continue to play an important role in helping these young people to participate in their local communities through sport.

Applications are now open for the next round of Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership program. Applications close on 2 May 2013 and successful applicants will be announced in July 2013.