The PCYC Nations of Origin will get underway across four venues in western Sydney tomorrow (Tuesday 11 July) for a four-day tournament that will bring together 1000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people from across NSW, representing 25 Indigenous nations, to help celebrate Australia’s diverse Indigenous culture.
The multifaceted sport, cultural, education and leadership program is held annually around NAIDOC week and allows young people to represent their Aboriginal nation in Rugby League, Football Fives, Netball, Basketball and Gymnastics.
The PCYC Nations of Origin is now into its ninth year (it was not held in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The program requires behavioural and school attendance standards to be met, and connection to culture through an Elder, for participants to take part.
The venues this year include Whalan (Rugby League, 11-12 July), Rooty Hill (Football Fives 12 July; Gymnastics 13 July), Cambridge Park (Basketball, 13 July) and Penrith (Netball, 14 July).
The Rugby League tournament for Under 16s boys and girls will involve 45 teams, almost 450 participants and will be played on Tuesday 11 July and Wednesday 12 July at Whalan Reserve in Whalan.
PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle believes that earning the right to represent your nation through sport is a powerful tool for social change and inclusion.
“Rewarding hard work and discipline gives young people something to aim for,” Teakle said.
“Providing them the opportunity to represent their nation provides them with a place to belong and connect with culture.
“Sport is really the tool. When the young people pull on the jersey to represent their nation, their mob, and most importantly, their elders; whom we respect as knowledge holders, survivors and leaders in our communities, the feeling of pride and achievement is palpable.”
Click here for more information on the PCYC Nations of Origin.
