Athletes celebrating culture through Share a Yarn

From athletes preparing for their Commonwealth Games debut to netballers taking on the NAIDOC Week Spirit Series with the Black Swans, AIS Share a Yarn ambassadors are showcasing the power of cultural connection and sport.

With cultural immersion, mentorship and community engagement core parts of their Share a Yarn journey, the program is providing athletes with a space to build community, maintain and celebrate their connection to culture while navigating the demands of high performance sport.

The 2026 Share a Yarn cohort are currently competing around the country – and the world – but came together for an online Yarning circle to hear from Olympic legend and proud Yuin and Worimi man Kyle Vander-Kuyp ahead of NAIDOC Week.

Para long jumper and proud Biripi and Darug woman Layla Sharp is in her final preparations ahead of her Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow.

"My ancestors are a reason behind who I am today and keeping that cultural connection alive is very important to me in this sporting journey," Sharp said.

"Share a Yarn is providing an opportunity to make cultural connection, hear motivational talks, develop my leadership skills and participating in yarning circles to understand other mobs' stories.

Sharp said she hopes completing the program will help her grow as an athlete and a role model.

"I want to be the best version of myself, make a difference and have an impact on others. Whilst I'm striving for personal bests, setting goals and ticking them off, I also want to make my ancestors who are looking down on me, proud," she said.

Netballers Aaleya Turner, Jayden Molo and Scarlet Jauncey have been representing the First Nations Black Swans in the inaugural Spirit Series in Sydney during NAIDOC Week.

Kaurna woman Turner said Share a Yarn has provided her with a meaningful opportunity to build relationships with other First Nations athletes.

"Cultural connection gives me strength, confidence, and a sense of belonging and reminds me that I represent more than just myself; I represent my family, my community, and the generations before me," she said.

"At this stage of my life and sporting journey, cultural connection means staying grounded in who I am while continuing to grow as both a person and an athlete. It's about understanding where I come from, honouring my community and ancestors and carrying that pride with me into every sporting environment I step into."

Waanyi woman Molo said her decision to join Share a Yarn was rooted in self-development and cultural learning.

"My motivation behind applying to join the Share a Yarn Program is for personal growth, cultural connection and engagement within the group, sharing and learning from each other," Molo said.

"I'm hoping to feel more connected culturally, learn something new about my culture and other members' journey and stories as well."

Jauncey, a Yawuru woman, said Share a Yarn has been one of the most meaningful experiences of her sporting journey.

"Being in a space with other First Nations athletes from completely different sporting codes allowed us to yarn openly, share our stories and learn from each other's experiences – something you don't always get within your own sport," Jauncey said.

"It helped me grow not only as an athlete, but as a person, and it played a big role in strengthening my cultural identity and confidence in who I am."

"I hope to walk away with stronger relationships and a solid support network of other First Nations athletes I can keep in touch with beyond the program. If I can take what I learn back to my team or younger athletes coming through and create a safer, more inclusive space for them, that would be a big win."

As NAIDOC Week is celebrated across the country, the Australian Sports Commission acknowledges the athletes, mentors and communities who continue to strengthen cultural connection within Australian sport.

Through Share a Yarn and the broader Win Well Strategy's Connection to Country Action Plan, the ASC remains committed to creating culturally safe environments where First Nations athletes can thrive.

More information about the program can be found on the Share a Yarn webpage.