The Vodafone Brisbane Lions teamed up with the Queensland Government through Multicultural Affairs Queensland (MAQ) to promote harmony and diversity within the community.

More than 200 Queenslanders from Refugee and Migrant communities experienced an AFL match for the first time on Sunday afternoon when the Lions beat the Blues by 117 points at the Gabba.

Lions co-captain Chris Johnson met with the group last week at Svoboda Park at Kuraby to educate them on the game and speak about his own career.

Lions Chief Executive Michael Bowers believes the initiative is another way of further developing our code – particularly among different cultural and ethnic communities.

“It is testament to both our wonderful game and MAQ that such a culturally diverse range of Queenslanders can come together and be united by the wonderful and universal force that is sport,” Bowers said.

“Maybe we might even see them in maroon, blue and gold next year as members – we’d certainly love to have them on board full-time.”

Multiculturalism Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the partnership was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity through sport.

“Diversity is one of Queensland’s greatest social and economic strengths and MAQ is proud to share a unique part of Australian culture with the Refugee and Migrant communities of Queensland,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The partnership actively promotes and celebrates multiculturalism and will work towards achieving mutual respect and understanding of all Queenslanders.”