Stars nurture next generation

Recently the next generation of indigenous track and field stars were put through their paces by some champions of the sport.

Related topics: athletics,youth

14 April 2010

The clinics were run on the 12^th and 13^th of April at Steel Blue and Claremont Oval respectively and targeted indiginous athletes aged between 6-18.  They were attended by a host of high profile athletes, led by former Trinidad & Tobago track star Ato Boldon.

Boldon is a former 200m World Champion and Olympic Medalist.

He currently acts as an expert commentator for track and field events in the US and was on hand to teach participants the finer points of sprinting. 

Also in attendance were some of the best indigenous athletes that Australia has ever produced including, Patrick Johnson, Nova Peris, Kyle Vander Kuyp, Casey Narrier and Olympic Silver Medalist John Stefansson.

Former AFL stars Peter Matera, Chris Lewis and Troy Cook were also in attendance.

David Wirrapunda Foundation CEO Lisa Cunningham said that it was a coup getting so many great role models to share their knowledge with the participants.

“It’s such a great opportunity to have these world class athletes pass on their knowledge to the kids,” she said.

“Having people like Patrick, Nova, Kyle and John was fantastic. They’re all great role models for the indigenous community.”

In fact they requested that all of the food was healthy before they agreed to come, so they certainly were intent on setting a good example!”

Despite the galaxy of stars who attended the event, the focus was firmly on the young people who were eager to prove that they were athletics’ next big thing.

Participants were tutored in a range of disciplines including, high jump, hurdles, middle distance running and sprinting.

The event would not have been possible without the support of the Department of Sport and Recreation, David Wirrpanda Foundation, Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Service, Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service, Bankwest, Australian Institute of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies and Athletics WA.