The Rio Tinto Athletics for the Outback (AFTO) program has kicked off another successful year, with thousands of school children enjoying the benefits of athletics through the program.
Delivered by Australian Athletics in partnership with Rio Tinto, AFTO brings fun, engaging athletics experiences to young people in Gladstone, Weipa and the Pilbara.
Led by experienced coaches, the program introduces participants to the fundamental skills of running, jumping and throwing through games and activities delivered at local schools and athletics clubs.
Designed for participants of all ages and abilities, AFTO aims to build confidence, develop movement skills and create positive experiences in sport, regardless of previous experience.
The first three programs of 2026 have already reached 2,318 participants across Gladstone and Weipa in Queensland, and the Pilbara in Western Australia.
The joy on the kids’ faces is what makes all it all worth it for Sam Ajisafe, who coordinates the AFTO program in his role as National Coordinator at Australian Athletics.
“When I see those kids smile and learn, I know Australian Athletics, our team, with the support of Rio Tinto, are doing a great job working to keep athletics going for the next 30 years,” he said.
This year, athletics has been front of mind for sports fans across Australia thanks to the incredible performances of our elite athletes, and the AFTO program hopes to build on that momentum, Ajisafe explains.
“We are on a great trajectory right now in Australian athletics, we’ve got our top athletes on the world stage breaking records,” he said.
“But at the same time, you need programs like AFTO to get that pathway going for the next generation of athletes in this country.”
Ajisafe, who himself was a champion triple jumper, explains AFTO and the team work hard to ensure a wide range of schools and communities can experience the benefits of the program.
“We want to make sure we go to new schools but also head back to schools who have participated in the program before so their interest in athletics can continue,” he said.
“It’s been so rewarding to see so many kids turn up this year to enjoy everything the program has to offer.”
The program has continued to expand in 2026, particularly across the Pilbara, where AFTO was introduced for the first time at the Tom Price Picnic Day and Paraburdoo Picnic Day.
“These Picnic Days are major events put on by Rio Tinto to bring the community together,” he said.
“It was the first time AFTO had an activation at this event, and it was a huge success.
Ajisafe can only see AFTO growing after such a brilliant start to the year.
“It’s very, very encouraging to see how the communities are supporting the program,” he said.
“AFTO is becoming well known and recognised in these remote communities, with more schools and clubs reaching out to ask us to visit.”
“The numbers continue to climb.”
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
GLADSTONE (APRIL 27 – MAY 1)
The sessions were led by coach Kerry Schreiber. One of her highlights included teaching the younger kids hurdle mobility and coordination activities.
“The variety of schools visited also provided valuable insight into differing school routines, environments and student cohorts,” she said.
“Working with Prep students was an unexpected highlight, as they responded exceptionally well to activities that may normally be considered advanced for their age, including mini hurdle mobility drills and coordination activities.”
WEIPA (MAY 11-15)
There were sessions held during school, and before and after school led by coach Jamie Dawson.
“The out of school hours sessions allow for some intensive skills development, and I felt these were an excellent use of my time as a coach,” he said.
“There are some incredible athletes within the high-performance program and I could easily have spent a lot more time helping them with their knowledge and skills development.
PILBARA INLAND (MAY 15-20)
Led by coach Sam Ajisafe, whose highlight was the standing long jump at both picnic days. Schools were so impressed they are lining up for next year.
“Multiple schools have already expressed interest in having the AFTO program return, including potential integration into future school athletics carnivals,” Ajisafe said.
By Luke Dennehy, Australian Athletics
Posted 14/7/2026
