Sport+for+Unity

“//Sport has developed a nationalism which has unified Australia and has helped bridge inequalities of race and gender. Energy (is) put into the support of and participation in sport rather than into class bitterness and other prejudices//” (Kay Paten, 2011). Throughout sporting seasons you can find a vast range of people at your local sporting venues, ranging from volunteers, coaches, players, parents, referees, grounds coordinators, all brought together by their common passion and spirit of their chosen sport.

 In 2008, the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Koya Indigenous Research Group conducted a study on Indigenous children (male and female) with the hypothesis that positive social interactions in sport will contribute positively to the identity of urban, Australian-Indigenous children. A sample group was selected, observed and interviewed about the social interactions they had whilst playing sport. The results found that “ // interactions in sport among Aboriginal children enabled them to positively express their Aboriginal identity together in a group, speak an Aboriginal language and interact with each other in ways that further affirmed their Aboriginal identity. In comparison, //// non-Aboriginal //// peers contributed //// positively to Aboriginal student's self-esteem because of the positive feedback they provided in school sport. Furthermore, non-Aboriginal students' social interactions with Aboriginal peers were purposeful in making friends, acceptance and respect between each other // ” // (Cheryl S, Kickett-Tucker, 2008) // .This study highlights the importance and benefits of Indigenous youth’s participating in sporting activities. Underlining the importance of, us as teachers, role in facilitating and coordinating sporting activities (whether its recreational or competitive), for the reason that sport brings people together... it builds relationships and brings down social barriers, giving participants a feeling of acceptance, pride and community. Thus, reinforcing the importance for all PE lessons to be inclusive, allowing everyone (no matter what sex, ethnicity, ability) the chance to feel a part of that class’ community, whilst enjoying the physical activity, improved self-esteem, positive health habits and unity found in sport.

 Paten, 2011,Lecture 1, // Sport & Australian Society, a strong history //, retrieved from []

Kickett-Tucker& Cheryl S, 2008, How Aboriginal peer interactions in upper primary schoolsport support Aboriginal Identity, Australian journal of Indigenous education,p130-137, retrieved from []