NRL Community ambassadors Hazem El Masri, Nathan Merritt, Joe Galuvao and Nathan Hindmarsh will join students from across Western Sydney on Friday to recognise national Harmony Day.
The third annual NRL Harmony Day festival, to be held at Merrylands Oval tomorrow, will feature more than 500 students, who have all completed the 'In League in Harmony' social inclusion program.
The celebrations will also be attended by NRL Head of Community Adam Check, Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello, Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane, and Holroyd City Mayor Nasr Kafrouni.
The event also recognises the relationship between the NRL and Australian Human Rights Commission that has been in existence for more than 10 years. In 2015, this alliance will see the NRL work to progress the Racism. It Stops with Me campaign – a national campaign which invites all Australians to reflect on what they can do to counter racism.
NRL Head of Community Adam Check said the renewed partnership underlines the NRL's commitment to promoting social cohesion in the community.
"The NRL aims to promote inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone in our game and also the wider community," he said.
"Through the In League in Harmony Program and our ongoing work with the Australian Human Rights Commission, we aim to use the sport of Rugby League to tackle initiatives focused on promoting community harmony, social cohesion and education.
"The NRL is excited to highlight its strong commitment to these issues by hosting our third annual Harmony Day Festival in Merrylands."
NRL Community Ambassador Hazem El Masri said, "This day is a big part of the NRL's celebration of cultural diversity and shows the work that the game does to promote positive integration of youth into their communities.
"One third of the Western Sydney population has migrated to Australia and half of the world's nations are represented among its residents. Rugby League is a fantastic way of building the social capacity of these communities."
The event will include cultural performances, a non-competitive NRL Touch Football round robin tournament, a chance to interact with NRL Community ambassadors and a Harmony Day walk at 1.15pm.
A presentation will be held following the conclusion of all games with certificates awarded to all participants for showcasing positive attitudes and leadership qualities throughout the program.
