Minister for Sport Mark Arbib today announced the 2011 Captains’ Forum would be held on 5-6 October at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) in Redfern.

The forum will bring together the captains and leaders of Australia’s major sporting teams to discuss the issues and opportunities in Australian sport.

Senator Arbib said the forum would recognise the significant influence Australian sporting captains can have as role models and leaders in their specific sports.

“The forum will bring together the captains of many of Australia’s top sporting teams to discuss how leadership on and off the field can be a key factor in making sport inclusive for all Australians,” Senator Arbib said.

“Holding the forum at the NCIE will highlight on of one of the key focuses – using sport to engage and increase Indigenous participation in sport and linking it with education and employment.

“Australia is regarded as one of the best sporting nations in the world and it is fantastic that our captains and leaders will come together to discuss the future of Australian sport and how to get more children and adults playing sport.”

Senator Arbib said the forum was another way the Australian Government was supporting sports to provide welcoming environments which contribute to increased participation.

Former Wallabies captain John Eales was one of the key organisers of the forum and believes it is a great opportunity for Australian captains and leaders to come together and discuss Australian sport. 

“The Captains’ Forum is a unique opportunity for Australian sporting leaders to learn from each other in a collegiate environment,” Mr Eales said.

“When I led the Wallabies some of my most insightful learning came from my contemporaries in other sports. Australian sport will benefit from our captains connecting with each other.”

The forum is a partnership between the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the Australian Government and National Sporting Organisations.

This initiative builds on the Australian Government’s additional investment of $44 million over four years to boost participation in sport.

Minister’s media contact: Alison Hill 0407 570 640 / 02 9364 2600