Maningrida Footy Festival coming soon

The Sydney Swans will return to the Top End this November to host a football festival focused on spreading an important anti-smoking health message.
Globally, tobacco kills more than 7 million people each year, including an estimated 1.6 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. First Nations peoples in the Northern Territory have among the highest rates of smoking in Australia, especially across the Top End throughout West Arnhem Land, where the town of Maningrida is located.
Last year, Swans AFL and AFLW players and staff came together with the local health service – Mala’la Aboriginal Medical Service and the ADF to host the first Maningrida Footy Festival, encouraging the community to Kick the Habit to maintain a strong body. The festival was part of the Australian Government’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) program. 
We’re thrilled to announce that following the success of last year, the Maningrida Footy Festival is returning this November. The two-day event on November 15-16 will see participants from across West Arnhem Land come together to play football, share food and music, and learn about the dangers of smoking.
The TIS program supports healthy lifestyles through the promotion of smoke-free environments and discouraging the uptake of smoking and tobacco products. This year, the focus is on highlighting the impact of second-hand smoking on children and young people. 
The festival will cap off a seven-day trip in the West Arnhem Land that will see a contingent of Swans players and staff visit Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Ramingining and Milingimbi. 
Sydney Swans First Nations Strategy and Player Development Manager Jarred Hodges said last year’s event was well received and supported by the community.
“We’re really excited to return to the Top End and work with Community organisations for a second year to deliver the Maningrida Footy Festival and assist in expanding the reach of current messaging about the dangers of smoking,” Hodges said.
“Last year’s festival was a resounding success, and it was an excellent opportunity for our players and staff to develop their understanding of First Nations Peoples' deep connection to country. 
“We know our players can be powerful role models, so we are looking forward to working with the community to bring First Nations young people and families together to play footy and share some really important preventative smoke free messaging.”