Keeping kids entertained during school holidays can be difficult at times.

However, there'll be plenty of options for students able to attend the Indigenous Youth Sports Program (IYSP) at CQUniversity Rockhampton over the June and September school holidays.

The IYSP is a week-long program for the region's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students aged 10 - 15 years.

Participants at last year's event

The event is coordinated by the University's Widening Participation team to engage school students and build aspirations towards higher education through a range of unique and inspiring activities.

The Program is a unique partnership between CQUniversity, the Department of Communities and the Central Queensland Indigenous Development Ltd (CQID). CQID is involved in the planning and design as well as the promotion and delivery of the Program, ensuring it meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

CQID`s Project Manager Justin Loomans said this is a fantastic experience that allows students to have fun learning about sport in an inspiring environment.

"The confidence and familiarisation being built with the University throughout the program will hopefully create a real option in the future to pursue higher education at CQUniversity," Mr Loomans said.

CQUniversity's Widening Participation Officer, Melinda Mann-Yasso said the program aims to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the opportunity to become familiar with a university campus.

"The students learn about the impact of nutrition on athletic performance and develop their self-awareness by exploring Indigenous history, identity and cultural values such as caring for country. The kids are divided into age groups and work with mentors to improve sports performance through agility training, speed testing, athletic development, and coaching clinics," Ms Mann-Yasso said.

University teaching staff also get involved, providing a range of fun learning activities. A graduation ceremony is held at the end of the week with prizes being awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding participation and leadership throughout the program.

CQUniversity, in partnership with the Central Queensland Indigenous Development, will host two Indigenous Youth Sports Program events in 2012. The first event will be held from June 25-29 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Barcaldine, Emerald, Blackwater, Bluff, Woorabinda and Gladstone. The second event will be from September 24-28 for students in the Rockhampton region.

For more information, contact Melinda Mann-Yasso on 07 4930 9456.