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Sporting deadly program in Kowanyama for wellbeing by Kylie O’Brien 15 September 2015
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line up of elite sports stars from footy to netball will be in Kowanyama as part of a two-day deadly sports program to engage youth in wellbeing and physical activity. Deadly Sports Program Coordinator Michael De Vere (Rugby League - ARL/NRL, Australian International, New South Wales State of Origin Player) along with other iconic sports ambassadors including football player Scott Prince and retired Olympian volleyball player Selina Scoble will visit the remote community for two days of fun, learning and activity. The program helps to provide a pathway for youth in sport and along the way, open communication channels between youth and community members. Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council and the Department of Sport and Recreation has committed to delivering the Deadly Sports Program to promote the benefit of sport and recreation in indigenous communities through coaching clinics and friendly competition. Apunipima Cape York Health Council Social and Emotional Wellbeing worker Michael Drahm, who works with the men’s shed in Kowanyama, said the deadly sports program is a fantastic way to encourage men and youth to mingle with others. The men’s group will provide visitors with a traditional
Physical activity is an important part for the health and social and emotional wellbeing of children and youth in community.
healthy meal. “Sport is good not only for a person’s physical health but also for their mental health and to put their wellbeing first,” Mr Drahm said. “If you throw a ball to a kid in community, they will do something with it. They have natural skills but it’s about how they develop those skills to learn self-discipline along the way.” Council Sport and Rec Manager Dane Furphy said government funding to run the program has provided a robust structure to the event. Mr Furphy said there will be come-and-try activities, mentoring, skills and drills, and assisting with organised sports competitions in community. “There will be a celebrity volleyball game against community members which will be a lot of fun,” he said. “We’ll be doing some community consultation on what
the community want and need in regards to sport and recreation and work on prioritising outcomes.” The Deadly Sports ambassadors include: Michael De Vere - Deadly Sports Program Coordinator (Rugby League - ARL/NRL, Australian International, New South Wales State of Origin Player); Scott Prince – Touch Football / Rugby League (ARL/NRL, Australian International, Queensland State of Origin Player and Indigenous All Star); Kelly McKellar-Nathan – Softball (Retired Australian Softball Player); Selina Scoble - Volleyball (Olympian & Retired Australian Volleyball Player); Beryl Friday – Professional netball player with the Queensland Firebirds.
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