The Little Athletics Queensland NAIDOC School Holiday Program went off without a hitch this week, as young athletes, coaches and community members gathered at QSAC to celebrate culture through sport.
Led by proud Jarowair, Wakka Wakka and Turrbal woman Larissa Chambers, the inaugural program was the first of its kind for LAQ and attracted dozens of eager young participants.
"Today was all about NAIDOC Week and the school holiday program I've been able to put together," Ms Chambers told National Indigenous Times.
"It's the first one ever for Little As, and I was very excited to be able to create something that brings community together and shines a light on our history in track and field."
The day included elite coaching across running, jumping and throwing disciplines, along with cultural education sessions, traditional games, and a racing bib-painting workshop.
"The sun was out nice and shining, which was always fantastic," Ms Chambers said.
"We had a whole heap of different activities like our coaching sessions, which involved even some of our Indigenous coaches coming out for our long jump sessions, our shot put and our sprints."
Ipswich-based jumps coach Thaiday Ruben Jr. was invited by Ms Chambers to run the long jump clinic.
"I coached Larissa when she was quite young, so to be here now and support her event was really special," Mr Ruben said.
"NAIDOC Week is very important to me... it's a great time for all of us mob to get together, share our culture, share the love, share our friendships that we have.
"I'm one of those coaches who's constantly looking out to see if there's any Murri kids out there that are actually going to take up track and field."
The day also featured fun team activities, with many children naming the relay challenge and the emu game as their favourites.
Twin sisters Jarliyah and Leilani Fogarty, both aged 10, were among the standout participants.
"My favourite events are the 100, 800 and 400," said Jarliyah.
"The coaches were great and amazing."
Leilani agreed with her sister.
When asked if they'd come again, the twins gave a unanimous yes.
"It was even more fun than I expected," they said.
The program ended with the participants in a shuttle-relay race, putting their new skills to the test.
Ms Chambers said the program aligned strongly with this year's NAIDOC theme 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, Legacy.'
"With our NAIDOC theme being the next generation, it was such a perfect tie-in to what Little Athletics is all about," she said.
"Being able to create an environment for young athletes to be able to go into... that's so phenomenal and to leave a legacy behind."
With plans already underway for future events, Ms Chambers said she hopes this becomes a regular part of Little Athletics Queensland's calendar.
"Our success this year is something I'm really proud of. I can't wait to see it grow."