1. to celebrate Melbourne's ethnic diversity and harmony, and
2. use the sport of Australian football, as Australia's only indigenous sport, to break down cultural and ethnic barriers. We may come from many different backgrounds but we are all Australians.
In 2011 the competing teams are Greece, Indonesia, Albania, Kosovo, Turkey, India, Lebanon and Team Harmony. The event is run as a round-robin carnival and runs from 9am until 6pm. Matches are 2 x 20 minute halves. The two top teams play off in the grand final and it is a fantastic day with lots of colour and support from the various communities.
Last year our VIPs included Professor David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria, Laurie Ferguson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Mr Ted Baillieu MP, Mr Hugh Delahunty MP and Ron Barassi, who presented the cup to the winning team.
High profile players included Kouta (Greece), Adem Yze (Albania), Tony Liberatore (Italy) and Mal Michael (Team Harmony).
See www.harmonycup.com for more info about the event. The official highlights video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPL-q4g8GcI