From June 29 to July 2, more than 1300 young people from across NSW will be representing their Aboriginal Nation at the annual four-day PCYC Nations of Origin tournament held in Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.
The popular sporting event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but it is back this year bigger than ever with gymnastics added to the schedule for the first time.
PCYC NSW’s Nations of Origin brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people together from across the state and empowers them to celebrate Australia’s diverse Aboriginal culture and its deep impact on our history and their stories.
More than 20 nations will be represented, including Awabakal, Barkindjii, Biripi, Bundjalung, Darkinjung, Darug, Dharawal, Eora, Gamilaraay, Gumbaynggir, Kamilaroi, Ngemba, Tharawal, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, Ngambri, Darkinjung, Birpai, Yaegl, Dunghutti and Worimi.
Each team is made up of 70% Indigenous and 30% non-Indigenous young people. Education is a key foundation of Nations of Origin. To be eligible to take part, participants are required to have 80% school attendance.
PCYC NSW CEO, Dominic Teakle, said sport is a powerful tool for social change and inclusion.
“Being involved in sport teaches young people important skills such as discipline, patience, communication, healthy behaviours and problem-solving in a team environment, “he said.
“Nations of Origin brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth together through the shared interest of sport, encouraging learning, friendship and acceptance.
“Relationship building extends to the significant Police involvement in Nations of Origin. Participation in the tournament helps to break down barriers that can exist between Police and young people.”
Major sponsor, Red Energy, has been supporting the tournament since 2018, and along with on-going support from parent company Snowy Hydro, have been integral in helping PCYC deliver key youth programs across NSW.
“We’re delighted to see that the Nations of Origin is back bigger and better this year. On behalf of Red Energy and Snowy Hydro, I’d like to wish all participants the very best throughout the event. It’s so good to see the coming together of young people from diverse backgrounds to compete, learn and make new friends. Hat’s off to PCYC for facilitating such a wonderful event,” said Ramy Soussou - General Manager - Sales, Storage Solutions & Regulatory Affairs, Red Energy.
Nations of Origin is also supported by funding from the Australian Government, Port Stephens Council, and Tournament Partners NSW Rugby League, Basketball NSW, Northern NSW Football, Macquarie Football, and Gymnastics NSW.
Click here to view this year's full schedule and learn more about Nations of Origin.
