26 November 2024

Softball Australia (SA) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Centre for Multicultural Sport (CMSport), an initiative led by the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) to drive social changes through sport. CMY is a non-profit organisation based in Victoria, that has been shaping culture and empowering multicultural young people for more than 35 years. Together, Softball Australia and CMSport aim to drive significant change in the sporting landscape, focusing on enhancing inclusivity and participation in softball across Australia.

With a shared commitment to creating a society where young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds are connected, empowered, and influential, the partnership will provide on-the-ground workshops, training, and seminars tailored to both paid and volunteer workforce members, softball associations and clubs, and other key stakeholders in the softball sporting community. The CMSport team will directly deliver face-to-face education programs in selected regions across Victoria, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory.

The workshops will focus on culturally safe education and participation programs, exploring ways to make softball and other physical activities more inclusive for diverse communities. With the aim to break down barriers to participation, ensuring that every individual feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to take part in the game.

SA’s General Manager of Game Development, Clare Walker stated "At Softball Australia, we are committed to making softball accessible to all. Partnering with the Centre for Multicultural Youth allows us to take tangible steps towards breaking down the barriers faced by diverse communities, and we look forward to working with CMY to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment within our sport".

CMSport Manger, Junior Melo expressed “CMSport is excited to collaborate with Softball Australia on this important initiative supported by the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well funding.

By leveraging CMSport's expertise, this partnership aims to create more accessible and inclusive environments as well as building on Softball Australia’s commitment to strengthening connections with Australia’s multicultural communities.

CMSport is proud to join forces to apply our knowledge and experience in fostering engagement with diverse communities”

The first workshops will take place in December 2024:

• Softball South Australia will host their workshop on Thursday, 5th December 2024 from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Barratt Reserve, West Beach Road, West Beach. This workshop will be available in person and online. Register your attendance HERE
• Softball Victoria will host their workshop on Monday, 9th December 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at CMY, 304 Drummond St, Carlton VIC 3053. Register your attendance HERE

These sessions will provide a vital opportunity for participants to learn more about how to foster a more inclusive sporting environment, and how they can help bridge the gap for multicultural youth in sports.

The partnership with CMSport is an exciting step forward for Softball Australia as it continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in sport. Both organisations are united in their mission to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive in a supportive, welcoming environment.

For more information, please contact:

Clare Walker
General Manager of Game Development
Softball Australia
Email: clare.walker@softball.org.au

About Softball Australia

Softball Australia is the national governing body for the sport of softball in Australia, dedicated to growing and promoting the sport at all levels. Our mission is to make softball the sport of choice for all Australians, fostering an environment where inclusivity, development, and participation are at the heart of everything we do.

About the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)

The Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) is a non-profit organisation based in Victoria, Australia, dedicated to supporting young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. For over 35 years, CMY has been working to create a society where these young people are empowered, connected, and able to live to their fullest potential. Through partnerships, advocacy, and education, CMY helps young people navigate and shape the future of Australian society.