Athletics for the Outback
As an organisation we have acknowledged our responsibility to provide all Australians with equal opportunities to participate in education and healthy lifestyle programs regardless of location or socio economic status.
The Athletics for the Outback program is designed to link education, life skills, responsibilities and sport to create a ‘whole of life’ activity. We assist recommended Indigenous and Remote and Rural communities in understanding organised sport (athletics), along with the benefits that sport can bring along with healthy lifestyles, high self esteem, team building, career opportunities and aspirations to become an elite athlete.
Women are targeted in the program, providing them with choices and opportunities to be involved in sport as an athlete, official or coach. Funding is provided by the ASC (Australian Sports Commission) and DCITA (Department of Communications, Information, Technology and the Arts).
Education courses are conducted using the ATFCA (Australian Track and Field Coaches Association) all attendees are instructed to level 1 accreditation. Additionally a number of young people will be mentored in all areas relating to athletic development with local community members being guided in how to run an athletic meet/carnival.
Specialist instructors are brought in as necessary along with elite athlete mentors such as Kyle Vander Kuyp and our new younger international representatives such as Benn Harradine.
Equipment is delivered into the care of a responsible person, usually the Australian Sports Commission indigenous development officer, to be used by the community and surrounding schools.
The education program is a continual process of updating knowledge and increasing the coaching pool available.
Further Information
- Camps
Athletics Australia Indigenous program ran the very first Indigenous track and field camp in the beach side town of Scotts Head NSW. This was extremely successful and we are keen to hold camps in other states. - Oceania Events
The 2006 Oceania team has been opened to Indigenous athletes as a development tour. 11 Indigenous athletes will members of the 2006 team to Apia in Samoa. - Opportunities
Despite social and administrative barriers, Indigenous athletes have a long and rich history of involvement in athletics which started well before the current champions like Catherine Freeman and Kyle Vander-Kuyp. - Assistance with Athletic Programs
Athletics Australia is committed to providing all Australians with the opportunity to enjoy at whatever level of participation they choose, from fun runners to Olympic representation. We will endeavour to provide assistance wherever we can to facilitate this. - Teams
As part of the national indigenous program we will be looking at forming state teams to represent at the Indigenous championships held annually in Newcastle NSW. - Coach Education Opportunities
Indigenous and non Indigenous men and women are encouraged to gain accreditation with the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association (ATFCA) bringing extended knowledge and structure to the Indigenous program. - Talent Identification
Athletics Australia is committed to increasing the depth of Indigenous athletes competing at an international level and will be implementing programs in 2007 to address this.
