September 7, 2017

A group of forty Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and multicultural students will form a guard of honour as the Tigers run on to the MCG for this Friday night’s blockbuster qualifying final against Geelong.

The experience has been provided by A.G. Coombs, who supports the Richmond Football Club’s diversity programs including the Korin Gamadji Institute’s Richmond Emerging Leadership Program (REAL Program), as well as funding a cultural immersion experience in the Tiwi Islands for Richmond players and staff earlier this year.

The guard of honour experience provides a unique opportunity for the Club to engage with community groups during the finals series.

“We are thrilled to partner with Richmond Football Club to provide this opportunity for young students to participate in this unique, once in a lifetime opportunity,” said A.G. Coombs Managing Director, Russell Telford.

“The diversity of the backgrounds of the participants reflects how AFL can unite, and is symbolic of the commitment of A.G. Coombs and Richmond Football Club to a just, fair, inclusive and reconciled Australia.”

As long-standing members of the Club, A.G. Coombs became an official partner for facilities maintenance of building services, including air-conditioning, mechanical services and fire protection of the Club in 2016. Over the past 12 months, the Richmond Football Club has also supported A.G. Coombs to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The guard of honour will be made up of Melbourne Indigenous Transition School students, Laguntas Sisters netballers and students from multicultural schools.

KGI Director, Aaron Clark thanks A.G. Coombs for their support.

“We’re in a privileged position where our Club can provide an unforgettable experience to those who have been involved in our community programs,” Clark said.

“Our purpose is to inspire our Tigers community, and Friday night’s game provides a great opportunity to achieve this.”

“I can’t imagine how the kids will feel standing on the MCG in front of more than 90,000 fans.”

Original article is available on the Richmond Football Club website.