Police have praised community spirit following the International Students Beach Soccer Day on Sydney’s Eastern Beaches at the weekend. The tournament was hosted by Eastern Suburbs Local Area Command at Coogee Beach yesterday (Sunday 28 September 2014), and involved teams of police officers and International Students from across NSW. Students, who are studying at schools, TAFE colleges, English language colleges, universities and other educational institutions, joined police for a round-robin soccer competition. The event was proudly supported by The Community Relations Commission – for a Multicultural NSW, Study NSW Trade & Investment, Randwick City Council and SBS, and aimed to strengthen ties between police, the students and the wider community. More than 90 students from Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in the tournament. The grand final between the police team and a very skilled Chilean team was the highlight of the action on the sand, with the police winning 2-1. Corporate Sponsor for the Safety of International Students, Detective Inspector Darren Newman, said soccer has proven to be the perfect way to reach out to the students. “These students have come from across the globe to study in Australia and it is important we make sure they feel safe and part of the community,” Det Insp Newman said. “The day was about breaking down barriers and showing the students that police officers are people like them – and we are here to help if they ever need us. “It was a great opportunity for officers to talk with students about their experiences and any challenges or issues they may face, so we can better understand their needs. “In addition, it’s fun and informal way for police and students to engage with the local community – and share a love of sports and the beach on a perfect spring day. “We really appreciate the support of the universities, Randwick City Council and other event sponsors, local businesses and the local community, who helped make the day a great success,” Det Insp Newman said. During the event, police from Harbourside Local Area Command officially unveiled their new community engagement vehicle, a uniquely designed Porsche 911 Carrera. The markings were designed by Sam Nejat, a 31-year-old Iranian student studying a Master of Accountancy at the University of Western Sydney. For the past two years, Porsche Cars Australia have sponsored a Porsche Panamera for officers from Harbourside Local Area Command to attend schools, community events, charity fund-raisers and local youth programs, and generate positive interactions between police and the community. The success of the program has seen Porsche Cars Australia extend their support to sponsoring this white 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera, which will continue to visit events across the state.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 07:15:13 +0000
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