More than 1200 young Rugby League, Football, Netball, Basketball and Boxers from around NSW are now up and running at the sixth PCYC NSW Nations of Origin tournament being held in the Port Stephens region this week from 16-19 July. This is the largest indigenous youth sporting event held in NSW
All teams looked absolutely spectacular in their locally adorned uniforms depicting their Totem. 25 NSW Aboriginal nations are participating at the games. The uniforms have been designed specifically for this great event and teams are representing their communities with great pride and sportsmanship.
The Games were officially opened by the Minister for Police, Troy Grant MP, and the Commissioner of Police Michael Fuller APM at the Rugby 7’s on Wednesday. The spectacular opening ceremony included children representing their Nation and marching onto the ground and stood proudly with their flags as the local Elder welcomed everyone to the event with a wonderful display of music and welcome to country. Both speakers commended the community and stated Nations of Origin was now the largest Aboriginal youth sporting event in NSW.
PCYC NSW Chairman Mr. Alex Harvey said “This event is a great example of how PCYC is empowering our young people through education, sport and reconciliation and a credit to the to the Elders and communities”.
The Commissioner of Police congratulated the Police for their involvement and partnership with PCYC and the community and stated it was important to recognise these events which provide inspiration and goals for youth to aspire to and “Get Active in Life”.
“It is always a great opportunity to strengthen the relationships between Police and young people and encourage them to be the best they can.”
The Minister for Police Troy Grant said he was thrilled to attend Nations of Origin 2018 and support Indigenous youth from across the state as they participated in their various sporting events.