The AIS Share a Yarn Program was established in 2020 and offers Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander athletes a safe space to yarn, reflect and grow. This powerful initiative sees elite athletes connect with respected First Nations mentors who help them navigate life as a First Nations high-performance athlete, deepen their cultural connectedness and become advocates within their own sport.

Throughout the year athletes will meet with their mentors online, attend monthly storytelling sessions and attend a cultural connection camp at the AIS campus in Canberra in October.

Wheelchair Basketballer Clarence ‘CJ’ McCarthy-Grogan who’s a proud Yanyuwa, Garrawa, Kuku-Yalanji man shares what he loves most about the program.

Program goals

• Help athletes strengthen their cultural identity
• Connect athletes with First Nations mentors
• Safeguard athletes from system fatigue in sport
• Provide a place of belonging

Eligibility

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Current or former categorised athlete OR have represented Australia with an Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games sport.
• Have no anti-doping rule violations or match fixing offences at any time.

2025 Ambassadors

Contact

For further information about this program or opportunities to be involved please contact Community Engagement Advisor, Beki Smith, via beki.smith@ausport.gov.au.