About United In Play
Vision
The United in Play program fosters the integration of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and strengthens connections with Indigenous communities. By using sport as a unifying tool, the program promotes a society that celebrates diversity and embraces sports as a catalyst for peace, coexistence, and mutual understanding.
Mission
Our mission is to create harmony and understanding, where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated, utilizing sports serve as a bridge between communities to foster social cohesion.
Program Objectives
Increase Participation & Engagement
Boosting sports involvement and promoting physical activity in underrepresented communities. By making sports more accessible to underrepresented communities, we aim to boost participation and foster a love for physical activity.
Boosting sports involvement and promoting physical activity in underrepresented communities. By making sports more accessible to underrepresented communities, we aim to boost participation and foster a love for physical activity.
Improve Physical & Mental Health
Promoting overall well-being through active sports participation. Active involvement in sports has been shown to have numerous health benefits, both physical and mental, contributing to overall well-being.
Promoting overall well-being through active sports participation. Active involvement in sports has been shown to have numerous health benefits, both physical and mental, contributing to overall well-being.
Enhance Social Cohesion & Community Engagement
Strengthening social bonds and building a cohesive community through diverse interactions. By creating spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can interact and collaborate, we hope to strengthen social bonds and build a more cohesive community.
Strengthening social bonds and building a cohesive community through diverse interactions. By creating spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can interact and collaborate, we hope to strengthen social bonds and build a more cohesive community.
Cultural Unity
Celebrating and learning from different cultures through shared sports experiences. Through the shared experience of sports, participants will have the opportunity to learn from one another, appreciate different cultures, and celebrate diversity.
Celebrating and learning from different cultures through shared sports experiences. Through the shared experience of sports, participants will have the opportunity to learn from one another, appreciate different cultures, and celebrate diversity.
Equal Opportunity & Reconciliation
Committing to inclusivity and unity. Our commitment to providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of background, reflects our dedication to reconciliation and inclusivity.
Committing to inclusivity and unity. Our commitment to providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of background, reflects our dedication to reconciliation and inclusivity.
Cultural Education
Provide platforms for participants to share and learn about different cultures, promoting understanding, respect, and appreciation.
Provide platforms for participants to share and learn about different cultures, promoting understanding, respect, and appreciation.
Transformative Experiences
Overcoming biases, forming new friendships, and fostering greater unity.
Overcoming biases, forming new friendships, and fostering greater unity.
Three Streams
Background
The Henry Jolson Pathways Program, established in 2015 through a collaboration between Maccabi Victoria, the Maccabi Foundation (formerly the Maccabi Victoria Sports Foundation), and the Jolson Family, is committed to fostering cultural unity through sports and education.
The program provides a neutral platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect, break down cultural barriers, and build relationships founded on mutual respect and understanding. By integrating sporting events with educational initiatives, the Pathways Program encourages meaningful dialogue, inclusivity, and enduring connections, contributing to a more cohesive and harmonious society.
Building on this foundation, the United in Play initiative represents an exciting evolution of the program. Inspired by the success of the Henry Jolson Pathways Program’s Interfaith Through Sport Unity Cup, United in Play broadens the scope to include additional sports such as basketball and soccer alongside AFL. This expansion aims to amplify the program’s impact, reaching more participants and fostering unity across even more communities.
Relevance in today’s context
In light of the troubling rise in antisemitism and hate crimes, the United in Play program stands as a beacon of hope, actively working with multicultural communities to breakdown stereotypes, combatting discrimination, whilst promoting social cohesion and inclusion. By engaging with young minds during their formative years, we have a unique opportunity to shape attitudes and behaviours, fostering a more tolerant and accepting society.
Impact
- Cultural Appreciation: Participants develop a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and build lasting relationships.
- Leadership Development: Improved leadership skills and increased confidence in participants.
- Transformative Experiences: Overcoming biases, forming new friendships, and fostering greater unity.
United in Play Events
Our ‘United in Play’ events will feature three sports streams including AFL, Soccer, and Basketball, with participants representing both the Jewish community, and Australia’s Indigenous and Multicultural communities.
These gatherings will serve as dynamic hubs for the fusion of sports and culture, offering a multifaceted experience for all involved including;
Engage in competitive matches between participating teams, showcasing skill and teamwork.
Embrace the opportunity to share cultural practices, traditions, and experiences between teams, fostering mutual understanding and respect.
Indulge in a diverse array of cuisines celebrating the richness of multiculturalism.
Participate in skill clinics led by NBL/A-League/AFL players, enhancing skills and inspiring participants to excel.
Insights into the cultural and historical significance of sports and participants’ backgrounds.
Joint training days and family activities to promote cultural exchange and community engagement.
Establishing Unity Teams with equal representation from Indigenous, multicultural (CALD), and Jewish communities for high-profile exhibition games.
