Bulldog’s Multicultural Badminton and Volleyball program a big hit

Over 60 newly arrived migrants and refugees have been actively participating in the Western Bulldog’s Multicultural Badminton & Volleyball Program over the past two weeks. 

This highly popular initiative provides important opportunities for newly arrived multicultural communities to not only participate in sport and activity but to also improve the social and physical health and wellbeing of our multicultural communities.

The Program, which is part of the Club’s Department of Immigration & Citizenship Settlement Grants Program, is conducted in partnership with Wyndham City Council’s Settle Well through Sports project as well Badminton and Volleyball Victoria. 

The majority of participants are of Karen cultural background who have settled in Australia from the Thai/Burma border over the past five years as refugee and humanitarian entrants. 

This year, the Volleyball Program is managed by Werribee local, 39-year old Baw Mu Htoo Bleh Dah who arrived in 2008 with his family of 7 from a Thai/Burma border refugee camp.   Bleh Dah, will act as the Volleyball Manager and referee, thus allowing him to pay for this entire family (including 3 daughters and wife) to participate in the weekly program.

All multicultural communities are encouraged to participate in the Badminton & Volleyball Program which will be running every Sunday from 4:30pm - 6:30pm at the Werribee YMCA (35 Ballan Road) throughout June. 

Due to popular demand an extra “Fun Night” will be conducted this Sunday to allow participants to play matches with and against other multicultural communities as well receive coaching from Badminton and Volleyball Victoria coaches.

Following the Fun Night, participants will have the opportunity to join the Multicultural Badminton Program or Multicultural Volleyball Competition, both conducted at the Werribee YMCA on Sunday nights (4:30pm - 6:30pm).

There will be a small cost involved for participants.  For further information, please contact the Club’s Engaged Communities Manager, Kiemi Lai via email, kiemi.lai@westernbulldogs.com.au