First Nations athletes gather for Cultural Connection Camp at AIS

For sisters Tay-Leiha Clark and Tomysha Clark, the Share a Yarn Cultural Connection Camp held at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has become more than just an annual event – it’s a highlight of their year.  

The Cultural Connection Camp brings together First Nations athletes and mentors in the AIS Share a Yarn program to gather in person and deepen their cultural understanding and community connections. 

This year’s camp included 17 First Nations athletes who took part in three days of cultural activities ranging from a Walk on Country, damper making, traditional Indigenous games and visits to local community organisations.  

“It's just a safe space for everybody to come and really connect and get to know each other and support our careers and what we're striving towards,” Tay-Leiha Clark said.  

“We go home after every camp and just reminisce on how special the week has been.” 

The AIS Share a Yarn program has been running for five years and supports young First Nations athletes by connecting them with mentors and mob throughout their sporting careers. 

The Clark sisters, who both compete in athletics, have been part of the program for three years and have developed deep bonds with their mentors.  

“My mentor Tahlia is absolutely amazing, I have a really special connection with her and my sister and I often talk about how grateful we are for the support of our mentors,” Tay-Leiha said, who is paired with former footballer and proud Noongar woman Tahlia Taylor-Kickett.  

It’s a feeling shared by many athletes who take part in Share a Yarn. For sprinter Calab Law, the camp is a reminder of the power of being surrounded by fellow First Nations athletes and the pride that comes with representing his culture in competition.  

“I’ve learnt that surrounding yourself with the people that make you feel comfortable and support you, just like in Share a Yarn, is super important,” Law said.  

“When you're Indigenous, you're not just out there representing Australia, you're representing your family, you're representing your people, you're representing like just a whole different community as well.”

Learn more about the AIS Share a Yarn program.

Applications for the 2026 cohort will open early next year.