Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can…sport can create hope…it is an instrument for peace.
Nelson Madela
Based on the above principles I established the Harmony Cup in 2004 in Melbourne. Now an annual event, the aim of the Harmony Cup is twofold:
1. to celebrate Melbourne’s multicultural diversity and harmony, and
2. use the power of sport to break down cultural and ethnic barriers. We may come from many different backgrounds but we are all Australians.
Teams that have competed over the years include Albania, Australia (indigenous team), Chile, Croatia, Druze Victoria, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Macedonia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oromia, Poland, Samoa, Spain, South Sudan, Switzerland, Tonga, Turkey, Team Africa, Team Harmony, Vietnam, Wales and the United Nations.
A highlight for the competing teams is the chance to be awarded the trophy by the tournament patron, AFL legend Ron Barassi.
