Sport for social change in NSW
Forging a career in sport is often a pipe dream – after all, sport inspires passion and dedication in a way few other pursuits can. But for Herman Lotey, a co-founder of the Australian International Sports Organization (AUSISO), it’s not just a reality, it’s a hugely successful one. After more than a decade of commitment to Australia’s grassroots sports community, Herman’s efforts were recently recognized at the NSW Premier’s Harmony Dinner, where he was awarded the NSW Multicultural Community Sports Medal.
Herman’s name will be known to those who have played cricket in Sydney; In the late 2000s, Herman started one of the first winter cricket competitions in Sydney, frustrated by the lack of options for cricket fans at the time. It was not only a successful competition that lasted almost a decade, but also an experience that allowed him to get acquainted with the sports industry, especially participation.
Herman – who originally wanted to be a cricket journalist and has worked in the media industry for several years – later held positions at Cricket NSW before founding AUSISO in 2018 with co-founder and business partner Nicholas Toscan.
Working at the helm of a multicultural sports organization could well be what Herman was born to do. Herman was born in Sweden and has a Sikh background. Herman and his family emigrated to Australia in the 1990s, and the sport has helped bond Herman with his new homeland.
Entrepreneurship is also in Herman’s blood, with his father, who also runs his own business and family, being Herman’s greatest motivation. “I’ve been very fortunate to have learned a lot about different cultures through sport,” says Herman. “When I hosted the Winter Cricket Cup I met a lot of different people, memories I will never forget and will cherish forever. I firmly believe that sport can bring people together.”
Even in the chaotic years since its inception, AUSISO – which pioneers sport for social change through education providers, governments, healthcare providers and sports organizations – now employs 5 part-time staff and over 40 casual staff alongside Herman and Nicholas.
“It’s been an amazing journey so far,” says Herman. “It has undoubtedly been quite a challenge, especially with COVID lockdowns. However, we believed in our services and products and continued to promote social cohesion through sport.”
“In a number of cases we have provided individuals with their first job in Australia, which we are very proud of,” continues Herman. “It is a great passion for us to have a team that provides sports programs for boys and girls in schools and the community every day.”
This passion is just one of the reasons Herman was awarded the 2023 NSW Multicultural Community Sports Medal, an award aimed at recognizing the achievements of an individual who has promoted cultural understanding and sporting endeavors in multicultural communities. As a pioneer of multicultural sport in NSW, it’s no surprise Herman is passionate about the award.
But that’s not just lip service: AUSISO’s 8-week multi-sport Junior Australian Sports program has seen a staggering 518 participants aged between 4 and 12 this school year alone, including 215 women.
The cooperation of AUSISO with other sports organizations is also important. “One of our proudest accomplishments is working with Usman Khawaja and his foundation, the Usman Khawaja Foundation, to alleviate youth disadvantage by providing education and cricket opportunities,” says Herman.
We look forward to working with you @CricketAus to deliver @daughterCricket program across NSW. Today our team participated in the dedicated facilitator training led by Professor @philmorgo of the @uni_newcastle. Privileged to be part of this program. @njtoscan pic.twitter.com/HcjCAxIXVH
— Herman Singh (@Herman_SL) January 19, 2022
As he discusses the award, Herman’s overwhelming reaction is one of humility towards those he has been able to help. “I feel truly privileged and fortunate to be able to create opportunities for international students and multicultural communities to participate in sport in a safe, inclusive environment,” he says. “There are many wonderful ambassadors in the community doing great work for their respective communities and there is still work to be done to ensure the sport remains inclusive.”
AUSISO’s immediate aim is to continue its rapid growth beyond NSW, supporting sports clubs and associations with funding and grants and continuing to showcase the benefits of sport across Australia. Personally, Herman hopes to continue to push boundaries in the sport and ultimately inspire his sons to one day pursue their own dreams.
For any parent or guardian who is hesitant to enroll their child in organized sport, Herman’s advice is simple: “Go for it! You will meet new friends, learn new skills and you will see your confidence grow. There are so many mental and physical benefits of participating in sports.”
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