Media Releases

10 Feb 2010 - Sporting Chance for Indigenous Students to Shine

THE HON KATE ELLIS MP
MINISTER FOR SPORT AND YOUTH

SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB
MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT PARTICIPATION

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

Sporting Chance for Indigenous students to shine

The Australian Government is providing $4.5 million for a program to encourage Indigenous students to achieve academic excellence through sport.

The Minister for Youth Kate Ellis today launched Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education (ARTIE) at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, in the lead-up to this weekend's NRL All Stars game.

A not-for-profit organisation of about 170 former Queensland State of Origin players known as Former Origin Greats will run the program, as part of the Government's Sporting Chance program.

"Sport is a great motivator and a powerful tool to teach important life lessons. And there is no greater lesson in life than knowing the value of a good education," Ms Ellis said.

"Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths have a passion and talent for sport and Former Origin Greats is harnessing that to motivate students to stay in school."

Through ARTIE, students will develop leadership skills, enhance their education and career prospects and improve their health and wellbeing.

This year, 500 Indigenous secondary students will benefit from the project at Ipswich, Bundamba, Redbank Plains, Woodridge, Marsden and Beenleigh State High Schools. A further one thousand students at 20 locations will participate in 2011 and 2012.

Senator Arbib said the Government's partnership with the NRL for this weekend's Indigenous All Stars v NRL All Stars game expands on the investment in FOGs.

"The Government's goal, through the NRL Indigenous All Stars Team, and our new Ambassador Scott Prince, is to encourage young Indigenous Australians to have a go, stay at school and ensure a pathway to employment," Senator Arbib said.

"The best thing all young people can do is get a good education. We know that the more education you have, whether that be finishing year 12, completing a TAFE qualification, an apprenticeship or a tertiary qualification, the more likely you are to get a good job.

"That's why we're holding a jobs expo with the Former Origin Greats before this weekend's game at Skilled Park. The group held six successful expos last year and that will continue in 2010."

Former Origin Greats comprises all 167 players who have represented Queensland rugby league in State of Origin football since 1980. Almost 30% of the players are Indigenous Australians.

Former Origin Greats inspires Indigenous students through providing real life examples of leadership.

The Queensland State Government is a partner to ARTIE. For more information visit www.deewr.gov.au/indigenous/sportingchance.

Minister Ellis: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512 jayne.stinson@deewr.gov.au
Minister Arbib: Alison Hill 0407 570 640


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