MELBOURNE: The Andrews Labor Government has announced a $100,000 events package to assist with the staging of the 32nd Annual Australian Sikh Games – the premier sporting and cultural event of the Australian Sikh community. The Annual Australian Sikh Games will be held from April 19 to 21 in Casey.
Minister for Sport John Eren today joined Dalvinder Garcha, President of the Games Organising Committee, at Casey Stadium to officially launch the countdown to the event and announce the package.
More than 3,000 athletes and up to 90,000 spectators are expected to descend on a range of venues throughout the City of Casey including Casey Stadium during the games.
Competitors from around Australia will compete in 14 sports ranging from traditional games such as kabaddi and tug-o-war to more contemporary sports such as cricket.
The games are a celebration of Sikh culture, promote physical activity and health and wellbeing, and provide the whole community the opportunity to tap in to a unique sporting and cultural experience.
Some 135,000 visitors from India visited Victoria in the 12 months ending September 2017, spending $373 million – a 29 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
Events like these will boost these figures as the Labor Government implements its ambitious plan – Victoria’s India Strategy: Our Shared Future – to nearly triple the expenditure by Indian visitors to Victoria.
The Sikh Games was secured through the Labor Government’s $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program, the $20.7 million Regional Events Fund and the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program.
The Significant Sporting Events Program will secure more than 300 sporting events for Victoria over the next four years. More than half of those will be held in regional Victoria, bringing competitors and tourists to local towns, stimulating local economies and getting more Victorians active and healthy through sport.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Sport plays an important role in the cultural traditions of all Victorians and we’re right behind major sporting events that encourage everyone to get together, keep active and stay involved in their local communities.”
“This is a chance for Victorians to enjoy our state’s strong relationship with India and celebrate all things Sikh.” Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott
“Sikh migrants have had a strong influence on Victoria’s cultural and social development – I encourage everyone to get behind and support the athletes during these Games.”
Quote attributable to Member for Narre Warren North Luke Donnellan
“I’m proud to be part of a government that supports this wonderful event – bringing people to the south east to celebrate Sikh sporting and cultural endeavours.”
