Sport and Cultural Diversity

“Cultural diversity means having a mix of people from different cultural backgrounds – it can include differences in cultural/ethnic identify (how we identify ourselves and how others identify us), language, country of birth, religion, heritage/ancestry, national origin, and/or race.” ¹

Diverse and welcoming sports organisations can benefit from increased participation and diversity of ideas which can help improve sustainability. ^{2, 3} In return, sport can offer physical, social, and mental wellbeing benefits, help to increase community connection, break down barriers and negative social stereotypes, and foster positive social change for diverse communities. ^{3, 4, 5}

Definitions:

LOTE (Language Other Than English)
Refers to individuals who speak a language other than English within their homes.

CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse)
Refers to individuals who identify as having a cultural background outside of the predominant Anglo-Australian culture/heritage, for example in cultural/ethnic identity, language, country of birth, heritage/ancestry, national origin, race, and/or colour. ⁶