First NAIDOC school holiday athletics event to uplift Indigenous youth

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published May 28, 2025 at 9.30am (AWST)

Little Athletics Queensland is launching its first-ever NAIDOC School Holiday Program, aiming to connect culture with sport and create new pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

The initiative is being led by newly appointed LAQ Development Officer Larissa Chambers, a proud Jarowair, Wakka Wakka and Turrbal woman.

Ms Chambers said the program is designed to be a culturally inclusive entry point into athletics.

"I was really adamant in wanting to bring a cultural perspective to Little Athletics," she said.

"Growing up, I didn't see many kids like me doing athletics. Usually it was just me and my siblings."

Registrations for the program are open now.

Set to run during the school holidays on 10 July, the program will include elite coaching, fun games and activities, guest speakers, and a cultural painting workshop.

Ms Chambers said she wants to highlight the deep connection between traditional culture and athletic movement.

"Running, jumping and throwing - these are things our mob have always done," she said.

"Hunting, spearing, chasing - these are athletic skills, and we've done them naturally for generations."

The NAIDOC program will also serve as a celebration of identity, inclusion and community.

"To be able to create an event like this brings mob together from across Queensland," Ms Chambers said.

"It's about creating a safe and fun space where kids can see themselves represented in sport."

Ms Chambers said representation is key to long-term participation.

"When I visit schools and kids see someone who looks like them in this role, it means something," she said.

"If just one child feels encouraged to get involved, then I know I've made an impact."

Registrations for the NAIDOC School Holiday Program, held at Queensland Sports & Athletics Centre are now open.

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.