Croc Fest-Respect Yourself Respect Your Culture

Athletics Australia and Little Athletics New South Wales were delighted to be able to join forces recently to attend the Croc Festival- Respect Yourself Respect Your Culture in Kempsey New South Wales for a two-day promotion of athletics.

Jacqui Corbett from Croc Fest describes it as "a successful youth program held annually in eight locations in rural and remote Australia. Designed to motivate and inspire young indigenous and non-indigenous to live healthy lifestyles without tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. The festivals engage young Australians in education, careers markets, health expos, sporting events and inspirational activities as well as performing and visual arts and crafts in a 100% drug and alcohol free environment. Lasting partnerships are built whilst celebrating youth and culture in rural and remote communities.

The sporting events form a very important part of the festival, encouraging participation and team- work whilst getting the students moving."
Messages reinforced during the festival were that it is �cool to go to school� and that drugs, alcohol and tobacco can damage your health. Having this reinforced by elite personalities can have a bigger impact on the youth attending the festival.

Darren Wensor, Little Athletics New South Wales and Sally McGrady, Athletics Australia were extremely happy with the reception that athletics received. Over 250 students with ages ranging from 8 � 17 years participated in 45-minute sessions of athletics where they were shown the fundamentals of events such as hurdles, javelin throw and long jump. The students were lucky to have elite indigenous athletes Kyle Vander Kuyp, Benn Harradine and Robbie Crowther take them through their activities.
Each night the day�s activities ended with a display of Aboriginal singing and dancing from the schools attending.

It is anticipated that Athletics Australia and Little Athletics will deliver further programs and events together.