By Molly Magennis
The Western Bulldogs held a Gala Day last Wednesday as a part of its CALDPlay program which provides migrant and refugee children with local sports based experiences.
Nearly 150 young students from Western English Language School campuses in Footscray, St Albans, Braybrook and Laverton took part in a range of activities such as Netball and Football.
The children also received Christmas gifts donated by Western Bulldogs staff.
The CALDplay (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) program usually runs for six weeks each school term, with each term teaching children a new sport such as cricket, netball or AFL.
Western Bulldogs community and government relations general manager Kashif Bouns said the program had been disrupted for the past two years due to COVID, so it was great for all the kids to get together and have some fun.
“It gives them the opportunity to meet kids from other schools and also showcase their skills, have a bit of fun and be rewarded for their efforts,” he said.
Mr Bouns said the Western Bulldogs pride themselves as being the community club of the AFL, and the club acknowledges how culturally diverse the western suburbs are.
“We’ve got this community foundation that has been set up and our purpose is to help communities in the western suburbs. It’s something that’s very central to us as a football club and anything community we take it very seriously.”
