Put this Saturday, March 6 in your diary because as far as Campbelltown is concerned, too much culture is never enough.
Last week it was the Macarthur Greeks launching a major exhibition in the Campbelltown arts centre.
It came after a year when there was strong focus on Indigenous culture and history as part of Campbelltown’s 2020 celebrations.
But now it’s the turn of our Latin American friends and neighbours to share with the rest of us the ancient history and cultures of Peru and El Salvador.
What will bring all this together this Saturday evening at Waminda Oval in East Campbelltown is a footy code that will surprise some people.
Soccer or football is obviously huge in both Peru and El Salvador and indeed the entire South American continent. But if you said soccer you would be wrong, because it is good, old rugby league that’s behind this momentous occasion.
Peru Rugby League president, Jaime Perez, who was raised in Campbelltown, unwraps the mystery for us.
“People from Peru and other Latin American nations who have migrated to Australia are engaged in the process of gaining observer status in International Rugby League,’’ says Mr Perez.
“To do that we have to develop the game back home by starting regular club competitions, as well as initiatives such as this one when we play El Salvador this Saturday night.
“This will be our third such match, but what is really exciting is that just before the pandemic last year the first ever game of rugby league was played in Peru (pictured above).
“It was a great step forward and we were so proud.’’
The footy game between the Incas and Blue Thunder on Saturday night will feature some of the best rugby league players in Australia with a Peruvian or El Salvador heritage.
Kicking off at 7.30pm, it will also be the first time new lighting installed at Waminda will be used for an official game.
Daniel Draper, the president of East Campbelltown Eagles, says he can’t wait.
“We’re looking forward to the first ever game under lights at Waminda ‘Tint Me Up’ International Oval – it should be a great night of rugby league and Latin American culture,’’ he said.
“But it’s also a real positive for Campbelltown to be hosting such an event, a real showpiece.
“The Eagles are proud to play a role in the expansion of rugby league with a game like this and we wish Peru and El Salvador well for the match.’’
While the main game will kick off at 7.30, the curtain raiser at 5.30pm will feature an Oztag clash between Ecuador and a Latin Combined Heat side.
Mr Perez promises everyone who attends a great night of footy and culture.
He says there will be a Peruvian food truck and another one serving the food of El Salvador.
Some critics have described Peruvian cuisine as one of the best in the world.
Also on the menu will be folk dancing from both cultures, as well as a DJ.
“It’s going to be good family atmosphere, great food, entertainment and rugby league – everyone’s invited, so see you all on Saturday night at Waminda Oval,’’ Mr Perez said.
