Shaheedi Sikh Games Secures $20,000 Grant

Griffith City Councillor Manjit Singh Lally and Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton joined forces to approach the NSW Government for an investment into the 26th Shaheedi Sikh Tournament to be held in Griffith on the weekend of June 8 and 9.

Their advocacy earned the annual community event a $20,000 grant from the NSW Government Office for Sport.

Ms Dalton said she had attended the annual event over many years.

“It’s incredible to see the entire community come together to support it, witness the athletes in action and enjoy the cultural diversity Griffith is so proud of,” Ms Dalton said.

Each June long weekend, the Sikh community holds a two-day event at Ted Scobie Oval against the backdrop of Scenic Hill.

This popular cultural event is the premier sporting and cultural event for the Australian Sikh community.

“I am pleased that Minister for Sport, Steve Kampar, recognised the importance of this cultural event in our region and contributed to what I’m sure will be another success.”

Councillor Lally said the grant investment gave the Sikh community a sense of pride that the government recognises the multicultural makeup of this city, Mr Lally said.

“It is great for Griffith and great for all of the whole region, not just the Sikh community.”

The event attracts thousands of people from Griffith, the regions within the community, and across the ocean to witness and participate in the event.

Athletes participate in soccer, hockey, tug-o-war, kabbadi (a wrestling sport originating from very early Indian civilisation) and athletic events for the kids.

The Shaheedi Tournament is a popular event in Griffith’s tourism calendar, attracting more than 25,000 people last year and the celebrations aim to promote the values of the Sikh faith and encourage health and wellbeing

The wider community from all backgrounds are invited to engage in this celebration of the Sikh’s unique cultural identity and explore the rich cultural traditions including traditional Indian cuisine.

• Topics:

• Local Council
• Government
• Grants / Funding
• Events