Around 70 Indigenous students from grades 5-9 have been on campus this week at CQUniversity Rockhampton, participating in a week-long Sports Program aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students...

IYSP AFL session

The Indigenous Youth Sports Program (IYSP) is a community-grown program funded by a range of sources and led by CQUniversity's Nulloo Yumbah and Student Support Centre. It aims to raise aspirations of higher education by using sport and health education to build self-esteem and confidence.

Students have enjoyed playing sports such as AFL, tennis, cricket and dodgeball, as well as participating in workshops on sports science, public speaking and nutrition.

participants of the IYSP

Students accepted into the program were nominated due to their commitment to school and academic results. They have had the opportunity to attend sports and exercise clinics, academic workshops, cultural activities and campus tours.

A range of CQUniversity staff, government representatives, community leaders and mentors have facilitated sessions including specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander topics of identity, caring for country and history.

Special guest football identity P.J. Marsh will join the group for their final day on Friday, during which the students get to practice their public speaking skills at the student address, enjoy a barbecue and formally graduate from the program.

Queensland universities are working collaboratively to encourage Indigenous students into higher education. This program forms part of CQUniversity's strategy to widen Indigenous student participation.

Special guest football identity P.J. Marsh helped to inspire the participants