Howzat for multicultural values

SSI has announced a partnership with the Usman Khawaja Foundation (UKF) designed to use sport to increase the sense of belonging and connection to Australian culture felt by young people from migrant communities.

The two organisations will jointly run cricket clinics across Victoria, NSW and Queensland where it is hoped young people from multicultural backgrounds will develop resilience, physical and mental wellbeing, and a sense of belonging.

Australian and Queensland cricketer Usman Khawaja has been a vocal advocate for multiculturalism and an outspoken critic of the lack of cultural diversity in the national team and the sports administration.

He joined SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis and students from Woodridge North State School in Brisbane this week for the program's first cricket clinic.

For many of the kids taking part, it was their first experience of the game.

Khawaja, who arrived in Australia from Pakistan at the age of four and became the first player of Pakistani descent to represent Australia in cricket, said the game was iconic in Australia an integral part of the nation’s culture.

“Education and community sport play an important role in helping young people from migrant backgrounds engage and connect with Australian life and feel a true sense of belonging,” he said.

“Cricket is not just a game – it’s a bridge to new beginnings.

“I’m thrilled to be part of a partnership that not only inspires children to play cricket but gives them confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.”

The new partnership will extend beyond the pitch and over time will be expanded to include:

• youth mentoring programs
• community events such as multicultural cups
• an innovation hub where young people from refugee backgrounds can co-design solutions to the unique challenges faced by their communities.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to inclusion and opportunity.

“Both SSI and UKF are strongly aligned in their values of empowering youth from refugee and migrant backgrounds to fulfil their aspirations and help shape a more socially cohesive Australia,” she said.

“Sport has always been a powerful way to bring people together. Initiatives like this transform lives by creating pathways for children to connect, grow and thrive.”

Roumeliotis said the program built on the successful work of the Logan-based SSI Multicultural Sports Club which provides accessible sporting opportunities for diverse communities and promotes inclusion through structured physical activity.

“The values and dedication shown by the Usman Khawaja Foundation perfectly align with our vision of a unified, thriving Australia where every newcomer feels at home.”