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Share a Yarn

Connecting First Nations athletes and empowering them to further inspire Australians

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

#InThisTogether

Through programs like #ShareAYarn, we are committed to our reconciliation journey for all Australians. We recognise the outstanding contribution Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders have made, and continue to make to sport. We denounce racism in any form #InThisTogether.

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.

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