What is the national anthem of Nigeria?
What kind of traditional foods do they serve in Cyprus?
And just where is Malawi?
These are some of the questions communities across Victoria as asking as they take part in the 'adopt a second team' inititiave. Every municipality in the State has been matched with one of the 71 Commonwealth nations as a first step to creating a cultural exchange through the Games.
Mayors of every municipality and delegates from every Commonwealth nation were invited to meet for the first time in April this year. Following a special function, they were treated to a first hand glimpse of what athletes experience, when they walked together on to the hallowed MCG turf at half time of an Aussie Rules match. 60,000 spectators cheered on as the delegates and mayors began to forge lasting friendships.
The enthusiasm for this program has been overwhelming, with the vast majority of communities making their adopted team a focus of their Games-time activities. Click on the links below and check the ways in which some councils are celebrating their Adopted Second Team:
- Frankston City Council and Samoa
- Wodonga City Council and Jamaica
- Brimbank City Council and Nigeria
- Glenelg Shire Council and Malawi
Overall, communities are preparing to show support for their adopted nations by hosting welcoming ceremonies for athletes, establishing pen-pal programs between schools and organising displays of dance, film or music.
Click here to check out the case study on Cameroon National Day.
Find out what nation your municipality has adopted by clicking here.
Find out what activities are planned in your area by contacting your local council.