Hockey NSW launches Multicultural Engagement Program, Mannu Singh, Sonny Chadha and Charishma Kaliyanda appointed as ambassadors

By Jess Moran

In an effort to engage with sports fans from culturally diverse and emerging communities in NSW, Hockey NSW has launched a new Multicultural Engagement Program, which it hopes will bring new people to the sport.

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To assist them, Hockey NSW enlisted the help of the Australian International Sports Organisation (AUSISO) to deliver their program. Working together in partnership,their aim is to increase the profile of the sport within various multicultural communities across NSW.

It is hoped that the program will attract new and emerging markets to the sport and increase the visibility of hockey around the State.

As part of the program, AUSISO, in conjunction with Hockey NSW coaches, will run a number of different events and programs over the next few months. These events include a community come and try event in Blacktown and a “League of Nations” competition at Sydney Olympic Park. They have already delivered several entry-level hockey programs at Intensive English Centres and targeted schools.

AUSISO will also support hockey clubs and associations across NSW, through the delivery of multicultural awareness workshops. These workshops will educate committees and attempt to remove any potential barriers for multicultural fans, participants, or volunteers.

“Hockey is the third most popular sport in the world, and we want to tap into the passionate communities around our State that live and breathe hockey. We want to make hockey accessible and open up ways for people to participate in both traditional and non-traditional forms of the sport,” said Hockey NSW CEO David Thompson.

“India loves it’s hockey and has been a hotbed of talent for many years. We have many players of Indian background currently playing in competitions and we hope to welcome many more players from the sub-continent over the next few years.”

Herman Lotey, director of the Australian International Sports Organisation, is excited about the possibilities that lay ahead for hockey.

“We are proud to partner with Hockey NSW to deliver their multicultural engagement program. Hockey is a growing and emerging sport in Australia with a strong family focus.”

“It is fantastic to see Hockey NSW’s commitment to drive diversity and inclusion in their sport. This program will help to promote the benefits of leading a healthy and active lifestyle for members of the community. “

As part of the program, Hockey NSW sought out and appointed several community ambassadors from various backgrounds and locations across NSW.

Hockey NSW has already recruited seven ambassadors, including people from Indian, Pakistani and Lebanese backgrounds. It is hoped that these ambassadors will engage their local communities and promote hockey through their networks. They will also play an important role at events and programs throughout the year as well.

Mannu Singh, Sonny Chadha and Charishma Kaliyanda are three of the ambassadors that have been selected so far.

Mannu currently plays for Ryde Hunters Hill District Hockey Club and Sonny currently plays with Northern Districts Hockey Club, both clubs based in north-west Sydney.

Sonny has been involved in hockey for nearly 40 years, playing both regular Saturday hockey and Masters hockey on weeknights. When his kids started in the sport, Sonny also got involved in coaching and club administration.

Most interestingly, Sonny played and helped to build the Sikh Games event in it’s early years, during the 1980’s.

”I am very proud to be a community ambassador and help promote the wonderful joys, healthy living and friendships that hockey has to offer. It is one of the most inclusive sports and I am honoured to be giving back to a sport that provides so much,” said Sonny.

Mannu has been involved in either playing, coaching or managing hockey for almost 20 years. The self-described hockey tragic is currently the player/manager/coach of the SL1 Open Men’s team at Ryde. For the past ten years, Mannu has also been heavily involved in the Sikh Games.

“I strongly share the sentiment that large community groups still have limited access to either a social or competitive hockey team/club and am looking forward to the opportunity to introduce hockey and all that comes with being involved in a team sport to these groups,” says Mannu.

Charishma is a current elected councillor for Liverpool City Council in south-west Sydney. She is also registered Occupational Therapist and currently works for headspace – the national youth mental foundation. She is one of only 11 women elected to Council in Liverpool’s 144-year history, and one of the youngest.

She is a self-described “champion of diversity in sport” and is passionate about youth participation in civic leadership. Charishma’s family has a long involvement with hockey back in India and she is excited to be working with the sport here in Australia.

If you’d like to find out more about any of the multicultural programs or events coming up or want to join a local team, head to the Hockey NSW website https://www.hockeynsw.com.au/get-involved/multicultural-programs/ 

( Jess Moran is the Hockey NSW Media & Communications Manager).