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Harmony Day includes Great Court Race
There will be plenty of peace and harmony — along with a short burst of fierce rivalry — when the University of the Sunshine Coast celebrates Harmony Day on Tuesday 17 March.
The multicultural event will feature great music and entertainment, great food and the University’s Great Court Race which was postponed from Orientation Week last month due to wet weather.
The race is held each year for first-year students and generates plenty of excitement and anticipation. Competitors will gather at noon for the start of the race at 12.10pm.
It is a serious event for serious runners with cash prizes of $125 for first, $75 for second and $50 for third. The winners also will receive the Dean Van der Helm Memorial Shield which will be presented by Dean’s family.
USC stages the Harmony Day mini-festival each year to celebrate cultural diversity. It is open to the public and will be held outside the USC Brasserie from 10am to 3pm.
Student Well-being and Health Officer Allison Cuskelly said the fun event highlights the relevance of multiculturalism to Australia and promotes inclusiveness, community harmony and the economic benefits available through cultural diversity.
Ms Cuskelly encouraged those attending to wear their traditional dress, bright orange clothing, or even green clothing to mark St Patrick's Day.
Entertainment will include Indigenous dancing, Irish singing, belly dancing, Latin dancing, a Zimbabwean marimba ensemble, a Vanuatuan performance and guest speakers.
International students at the University also will share stories about their cultures, and international cuisine will be available.
An Exchange Fair from 11am-3pm also will enable students to explore the numerous exciting overseas study options offered via USC’s Global Opportunities (GO) Program.
— Terry Walsh