More than 1200 potential sports stars will compete in the 6th annual Nations of Origin tournament next week, celebrating Aboriginal culture across NSW. The competition is a joint initiative between the NSW Police Force’s Youth and Crime Prevention Command and the PCYC.
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Nations of Origin is a sport, cultural, educational and leadership program that allows Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children to represent their local Indigenous “nation” in five specific sports over four days from July 16. This year’s tournament will be held in the Hunter Valley with 97 teams from 25 Aboriginal nations competing.
“It’s a fantastic program where kids from all backgrounds from every part of the state can increase their understanding of Aboriginal culture through team sports,” Youth and Crime Prevention Commander, Superintendent Dave Roptell, said.
“Some of these children face personal challenges in their local communities. We’re showing them they can channel their energies into a positive, sporting and cultural environment rather than get in trouble with the law.” Each competitor needs to have an 80 per cent school attendance rate to be eligible to compete.
NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE IN MONARO POLICE DISTRICT
On Sunday July 15 about 11.30am, police and community members celebrated the 'Yarning at the Rock’ event in Braidwood for NAIDOC week. The group shared stories and spoke about the invaluable contributions the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made and continue to make to communities, families, history and the nation: ‘Because of her, we can.’