Two significant sports events in Indonesia demonstrated how sports can unite people and promote inclusion. These events were part of the BRIDGE School Partnership Program, which aims to strengthen connections between Australian and Indonesian schools.

 

Inclusive Sports Clinic at SDI Harapan Ibu

On 31 August, SDI Harapan Ibu hosted an Inclusive Sports Clinic featuring four Australian para-athletes, including Josh Hose OAM, a gold medallist in Wheelchair Rugby from the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics. This event was organised with BRIDGE and DFAT Public Diplomacy and included activities for 51 junior and senior high school students focused on promoting disability inclusion. The clinic featured a wheelchair rugby session where students could experience adaptive sports. Both Australian and Indonesian para-athletes led the activities, helping students understand more about disability inclusion and reinforcing Australia’s commitment to diversity in sports.

 

Socceroo Sports Diplomacy Event at SD Islam Al Syukro Universal

On 10 September 2024, Australian football stars Josh Kennedy and Gema Simon visited SD Islam Al Syukro Universal in Ciputat, Banten. This visit was part of a sports diplomacy initiative and coincided with the World Cup qualifier match between Australia and Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Kennedy and Simon held football clinics for local students, both male and female, sharing their skills and knowledge. They also joined games with young Akademi Sepakbola Intinusa Olah (ASIOP) players and the Indonesian National Amputee Football Team. This event aimed to strengthen the relationship between Indonesian and Australian communities through football.

 

These events demonstrated how sport serves as a bridge between different cultures and nations. The Australian Socceroos and Matildas visit emphasised Australia’s commitment to international sports collaboration and showed how football can promote understanding and connection. Through the Inclusive Sports Clinic and the Socceroo Sports Diplomacy Event, Australia and Indonesia celebrated their strong ties, using sport to build inclusive, connected communities and enhance their friendship, further strengthening the bond between Australian and Indonesian schools through the BRIDGE School Partnership Program.