Sport Needs No Translation - Greater Western Sydney Sports Gala
Article contributed by Jenny Liem, CORE Community Services
CORE Community Services proudly hosted its inaugural Greater Western Sydney Sports Gala on 29 May 2026, bringing together more than 500 young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds across South West Sydney for a day of connection, inclusion and friendly competition.
The event provided a unique opportunity for young people from diverse cultural backgrounds to participate in a range of sporting activities, build new friendships and strengthen their sense of belonging within the community. Through sport, participants were able to connect with peers, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Greater Western Sydney such a vibrant region.
For many young people, particularly those navigating the challenges of settlement and adapting to a new country, sport serves as a powerful tool for social inclusion. The Sports Gala created a welcoming environment where participants could engage positively with one another, gain confidence and feel connected to their local community.
The success of the inaugural event highlights the important role that community-based sporting initiatives play in supporting social cohesion and youth wellbeing. CORE Community Services looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to create opportunities that empower young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to thrive, connect and find their place in the community.
It demonstrates a successful, community-led initiative that creates inclusive opportunities and strengthens connections across Greater Western Sydney working with sporting agencies and those that share the same vision.
The Greater Western Sydney Sports Gala is a meaningful milestone for the region, demonstrating how sport can foster inclusion, connection and belonging among young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. By bringing together more than 500 students from across South West Sydney, the event strengthened community ties, promoted social cohesion and created opportunities for young people to build confidence, friendships and leadership skills. The Gala highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives that support youth wellbeing and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes Western Sydney one of Australia’s most vibrant and dynamic regions.
Working in partnership with a number of community and industry partners to host a Sports Gala for students of refugee and/migrant backgrounds. This enables us to work together to encourage for participation.
