Courtenay Dempsey today celebrated his role as the Secretariat National Aboriginal Islander Child Care’s (SNAICC) 2015 ambassador for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.

This year marks the 28^th annual celebration of the day, which recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and celebrates the culture of their children.

Courtenay Dempsey said he was honoured to be an ambassador for such an important occasion.

 “The day is an opportunity for all Australians to show their support for Aboriginal children,” Dempsey said.

“I’m proud to be helping our kids stand tall and feel connected and proud in our culture.”

Dempsey, with the help of fellow teammates Jake Long, and Connor McKenna hosted a skills clinic with more than 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children between the ages of 3 and 6 years old at the True Value Solar Centre today.

Essendon Football Club CEO Xavier Campbell said the Club was proud of Courtenay and his efforts in his community as an ambassador and role model.

“Courtenay is a wonderful example for children in his community through his exploits on the field and the work he is doing with SNAICC,” Campbell said.

Campbell also expressed the Club’s support for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.

“It’s about understanding and learning about the impact that community, culture and family play in the lives of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.”

With a long-standing commitment to promoting diversity, Campbell said, “It is a priority of the Club to be a leader in promoting understanding and respect, not only through football, but through our education, indigenous and multicultural community programs.”