GIANTS Vice-captain and AFL Multicultural Ambassador Stephen Coniglio has today launched the 2018 GIANTS Multicultural Festival, to be held before the GIANTS take on St Kilda at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.

The 2018 GIANTS Multicultural Festival will be held inside Spotless Stadium from 1pm and will feature cultural performances, family friendly entertainment and food stalls from around the world to coincide with the match. 

Coniglio encouraged all members of the community to attend the festival and watch the match.

“Sport in general can be a great leveller and a force to unite,” he said.

“In this country, AFL plays a lead role in uniting cultures and that’s something I’ve very proud to be a part of.

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be as an elite player either but in the community as a coach, volunteer administrator or even a fan in the stands. 

“So I encourage everyone to put on some orange and come and see what it’s all about as your cheer on the GIANTS against the Saints.”

Don't miss the 2018 GIANTS Multicultural Festival at Spotless Stadium on Saturday, July 28. CLICK HERE for a full guide to the festival and tickets.

Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams was also in attendance and welcomed the evolution of the annual festival, which began in 2016.

“This is a fantastic event for NSW and especially the people of Western Sydney, bringing all members of our community together,” Mr Williams said.

“We support AFL’s NSW/ACT’s role as a champion for cultural diversity. Sport is a powerful way to promote inclusion and participation, especially among young people.

“AFL is an iconic national game for all Australians and the NSW Government is proud to be the major supporter of the GIANTS Multicultural Festival.”

AFL NSW/ACT Chief Executive Officer, Sam Graham, said the AFL are committed to promoting cultural diversity and working with new and emerging communities. 

“We are very proud that from local junior football, right through to the elite level, our game provides a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all people from different cultural backgrounds to come together,” Graham said.

“The 2018 GIANTS Multicultural Festival is a great opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity of Western Sydney and welcome new communities to experience Australian Football. We thank Minister Williams, Multicultural NSW and the GIANTS for their support of this important event on the AFL calendar.”

The 2018 GIANTS Multicultural Festival will coincide with the GIANTS playing St Kilda on Saturday 28 July 2018. For more information and for the schedule, workshops and maps CLICK HERE.