On 21 March, Australians will once again come together to celebrate our cultural diversity as part of Harmony Day, a day when we reinforce inclusiveness and embrace the many things that make Australia unique.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is a proud supporter of Harmony Day, and this year’s celebrations will have a sporting focus with the theme ‘Sport — play, engage, inspire’. The central message is that ‘everyone belongs’, which recognises the role of sport in connecting and engaging people of all cultural backgrounds.

Sport is something we have in common and it can unite people of all ages. It is our universal language that we can all share and participate in as players, officials, volunteers or coaches. Sport fosters a sense of belonging, acceptance and the understanding of other cultures.

Show your support

Sporting and community organisations and groups can show their support for inclusive participation as part of this year’s Harmony Day by organising events in their local area. Morning teas, fairs, concerts, school assemblies, liturgies, national costume days and employment expos are among the different events that have been staged to showcase cultures, traditions and backgrounds. For more information visit the Harmony Day website at www.harmony.gov.au.

Sport stars join forces to promote harmony in sport

The ASC is actively involved in promoting inclusive participation in sport for all Australians. As part of this commitment, the ASC has collaborated with the Australian Human Rights Commission, all state and territory sport and recreation and anti-discrimination agencies, and the NSW Commission for Children and Young People, to develop a program — Play by the Rules — which works to ensure that all Australians can participate in safe, fair and inclusive environments in sport and recreation.

Recently the Play by the Rules program launched a new radio campaign, joining forces with four of Australia’s top sportsmen and sportswomen to encourage community sport and recreation clubs to keep sport safe, fair and inclusive. The campaign features swimmer Alicia Coutts, soccer player Brett Emerton, cricketer and footballer Ellyse Perry and cricketer Usman Khawaja.

The campaign aims to reinforce that good sportsmanship is one of the most important aspects of any sport. The key messages touch on themes including racism in sport, respect for women, and inclusion in sport for everyone. Listen out for the campaign on national radio over the next four to six weeks.

Related link: Complete the Play by the Rules survey for a chance to win a $300 AIS Pack

Play by the Rules has developed a survey to find out what you think could help to make its program, website and resources more useful and relevant to you and your organisation.

Complete the survey for your chance to win an Australian Institute of Sport clothing pack valued at $300. The survey can be completed now until 29 February 2012 and can be accessed via the Play by the Rules website at www.playbytherules.net.au