Netball NSW will welcome students to Harmony Day celebrations this week, with events taking place at Netball Central, Tuesday 17 March, and in the Riverina region on Thursday 19 March.
Harmony Day is dedicated to inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone, and the events will bring together schools from across New South Wales for fun-filled days of netball, teamwork and cultural connection.
Students attending both events will take part in inclusive netball games and skills sessions, enjoy cultural performances and activities, and celebrate the diversity that strengthens communities across the state.
At Netball Central, students will also have the opportunity to meet players from the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.
For Netball NSW Youth Advisory Group member Saachi Singh, the events represent an important opportunity to highlight the value of diversity within sport.
Born in the United Kingdom to Indian parents, Singh said her netball journey began at a local club when she was young before progressing through the sport in New South Wales. While netball has always been a welcoming community for her, she believes events like Harmony Day are vital in helping more young people from multicultural backgrounds see a place for themselves in the game.
“Sport has a way of bringing people together, and netball is no different,” Singh said.
“Days like Harmony Day show that the sport is open to everyone and that different cultures are valued within the netball community. It’s important for young players to feel like they belong and that there’s a pathway for them in the sport.”
Singh, who is part of Netball NSW’s Youth Advisory Group, said representation and awareness play a key role in encouraging participation from diverse communities.
“When people see opportunities like this and feel welcomed into the sport, it helps them realise netball is something they can be part of as well,” she said.
Now firmly part of the Netball NSW calendar, Harmony Day events provide an opportunity for students of all abilities and backgrounds to come together, try netball and celebrate the diversity that strengthens communities across the state.
For schools attending, the days promise engaging and inclusive experiences where students can connect, learn and celebrate Harmony Day through sport.
