SIA Supports Outreach to Queensland Youth Leaders
Sport Integrity Australia was proud to support the Kangaroos Rugby League team, Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Queensland PCYC to foster community engagement with Queensland youths.
Last week’s community outreach event, which was facilitated by PCYC’s youth development program, was aimed at inspiring the youths, building relationships and creating mentoring opportunities for young leaders.
Sport Integrity Australia Senior Education Officer Riley McGown met with the twenty-five young men who were brought together from across Queensland for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Mr McGown delivered a tailored education session which spoke to the importance of sport as a tool for building community and cultural connections.
“It was great to come together as a community to support these young men and inspire our next generation of leaders,” Mr McGown said.
“Sport, especially clean and safe sport, can create real and positive change, which I feel lucky to have seen first-hand during this outreach.”
Ahead of their Pacific Nations Tournament, the National Kangaroos team Head Coach Mal Maninga said the team felt inspired by the young men and that it was a privilege to meet with the community members his team represents.
“The Kangaroos represent Australian values like mateship and there were plenty of new mates and new connections found today,” Mr Maninga said.
“It’s a privilege to spend time with impressive young people like this and see what the Kangaroos jersey means to them.”
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said the day served as an opportunity to recognise the 25 young men for their inspiring community involvement.
“They, like all young men, really benefit from having meaningful interactions with positive role models, and spending time with footy legends they’ve only seen before on TV is something they will always remember,” he said.
“Through all our programs, we know the lasting benefits of this kind of mentoring and skill building – learning about discipline, dedication and hard work can broaden perspectives and give them a sense of possibility that they will take home with them.
“An experience like this can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, simply by boosting confidence, self-reflection and provoking motivation to be the best individual they can be for their community.”
The young men engaged in team-building activities alongside the Kangaroos players, creating some impressive sand art inspired by their shared values and recognising their cultural identity.
Additional resources
Sport Integrity Australia offers a suite of online education resources and eLearning courses aimed at building safe, inclusive and clean sporting environments for all.
