Minister for Sport and Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib today joined international sports stars to celebrate the Indigenous sport initiatives delivered by the Australian Government with the help of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

Through the partnership, $325,000 has been provided for sports equipment, coaching and officiating training opportunities to 41 Indigenous communities around Australia.

Senator Arbib was joined by Indigenous sports star Kyle Vander Kuyp, World Surfing Champion Layne Beachley and Australian and English cricket stars Steve Waugh, Sir Ian Botham, Michael Vaughan and Paul Collingwood to participate in a range of traditional Indigenous games and a round of cricket.

“Today’s event recognises that by working together we can provide improved opportunities for Indigenous Australians to participate in sport and physical activities,” Senator Arbib said.

“According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics only 30 per cent of Indigenous Australian adults participate in sport and physical activity – compared to around 65 per cent of all Australian adults.

“Boosting Indigenous involvement in sport is a key priority for the Australian Government by breaking down barriers to participation.”

Senator Arbib said the Australian Government’s Learn. Earn. Legend! program was using Indigenous sporting heroes, particularly from the NRL and AFL, to encourage young Indigenous Australians to have a go, stay at school and ensure a pathway to employment.

“We know the best thing all kids can do is get a good education. We know that the more education they have, whether that be finishing year 12, completing a TAFE qualification, an apprenticeship or a tertiary qualification, the more likely they are to get a good job.

“Sport has great power to achieve positive results for Indigenous Australians, both by inspiring young people to lead a healthy lifestyle and encouraging them into school and work.

“Initiatives like the partnership with Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and Learn. Earn. Legend! could also help us uncover the next Cathy Freeman.

“We all remember the great inspiration Cathy Freeman provided with her amazing victory at the Sydney Olympics. Having sporting role models like Cathy and other ambassadors shows young Indigenous people the benefits of hard work and education.”

Today’s event showcased traditional games and activities from Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games – a resource developed by the Australian Sports Commission providing all Australians with an opportunity to learn about, appreciate and experience aspects of Indigenous culture.

The Australian Government works in partnership with a number of organisations to deliver community-based sporting opportunities and services to Indigenous Australians.

“The partnership with Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has provided more sporting opportunities to remote Indigenous communities by delivering much needed sports equipment, developing local skills and building networks,” Senator Arbib said.

Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is a UK-based foundation with the international objective of helping communities by working in partnership with local agencies to enable participation in sport by disadvantaged groups.