A messge from the Vietnam Swans National President, Phil Johns.

For full details of ANZAC weekend, click .

Dear Swannies, Supporters and Sponsors

In Australia, Australian Rules Footy is very closely aligned with ANZAC Day – the anniversary of that terrible dawn back in 1915 when the ANZACs landed on the beaches of Gallipoli. In Asia this weekend, ANZAC footy matches are being played in nine countries, in memory of Australia’s and New Zealand’s fallen.

This year, for the first time, Vietnam will host an ANZAC match, played between the Hanoi Hawks and Saigon Saints. Commemorating ANZAC Day in this place will have particular significance for those of us fortunate enough to be here today: we will be reminded first hand that wars end long before the pain and suffering they cause – to all involved.

The Vietnam Swans is just an Aussie Rules Club made up of ordinary people from different backgrounds who are living in an extraordinary country. We are humbled by the generosity shown to us by those who have so warmly welcomed us into their country, and we share together our sorrow and mutual respect for the sacrifices of our peoples.

While we are daunted by the prospect of hosting our first ANZAC Friendship match, we are strengthened by the knowledge that sport is a formidable force in building relationships. The Vietnam Swans hope that this match will help build the ever strengthening friendship between two friends: Australia and Vietnam.

Dress Code for those attending Dawn Service

Swans Players: Our new collared club shirts tucked in, pants and shoes (or dress shorts and sandals).
Others: For males, dress pants, shoes and collared shirt tucked in (or sandals and dress shorts). For women, a similar standard.

Itinerary

For full details of the weekend, including some history, click onto the . But, in summary:

Today, Friday 23 April

Afternoon – Swannies to tour Vung Tau Orphanage. Hold a footy clinic, teach some English and spend time.
Evening –

Saturday, 24 April

Morning – Nui Dat Tour
Afternoon – Vietnam Swans ANZAC Friendship Match, Hanoi Hawks Vs Saigon Saints
Evening – Vung Tau Dog Races

Sunday, 25 April

5am – ANZAC Day Dawn Service and Minh Dam Memorial to pay respects to Vietnamese fallen
11.30am – ANZAC Day Match, Collingwood Vs Essendon,
Afternoon (various times) – Return to Saigon and Hanoi

Charities

Over the weekend Tommy’s 3 Sports Bar and the Vietnam Swans will be raising money for two local charities. In addition, the Vietnam Swans will conduct a silent auction for:

An Essendon jumper signed by Essendon Captain, Jobe Watson
A football signed by Nathan Buckley and Gary “O’Donnell when they recently visited the Vietnam Swans on their ANZAC trip
A Vietnam Swans kit comprising footy jumper, shirt, hat, shorts, bag etc.

All money raised will be donated to a charity in Hoi An, Central Vietnam which conducts “train the trainer” swimming lesson. In Vietnam, more children die from drowning than road accidents.

And so…

A special weekend is about to begin.