Teenagers have donned Aboriginal nation colours with pride at an annual tournament in the Hunter Region.
More than 1,400 young people helped celebrate the sixth PCYC Nations of Origin last week.
Thirty NSW Aboriginal nations were represented during the event, which included rugby league 7s and netball at Raymond Terrace, as well as football 5s at Lake Macquarie and basketball at Broadmeadow.
PCYC NSW chief executive Dominic Teakle said the tournament had grown from strength-to-strength over the years.
“Nations of Origin is an amazing celebration of Australia’s Indigenous culture and its deep impact on our nation,” he said.
“It reinforces the objectives of our strategy by bringing together PCYC, Police and the community to build the skills, character and leadership to leave a legacy akin to the elders whose custodianship of the land we respect and acknowledge.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the organising committee, led by Justine Russell, the police, PCYC clubs, volunteers, elders and the community, who have come together to make this a memorable and impactful event.”
The tournament was formed after consultation with Aboriginal communities and the youth on ways to start reconciliation between young people.
The rugby league 7s, which kicked off the tournament last Tuesday, consisted of two age groups.
Kamilaroi South won the Boys Plate against Awabakal White, while Awabakal Red took out the Boys Cup over Eora.
The Girls Plate went to Biripi and Darung West were winners in the Girls Cup.
In the football 5s over at Speers Point Park, Awabakal White won the Boys Final Cup and Dharawal claimed the Girls Final Cup.
Awabakal Red were the Boys Premier Final winners and Awabakal Black took out the Girls Premier Final.
Back at Raymond Terrace, Awabakal Red won the netball under-14s competition, with Wiradjuri Platypus named runners-up.
The Nations of Origin wrapped up on Friday with under-14s and 16s basketball at Newcastle.
In the 14s boys, Wonnarua beat Wiradjuri Platypus, while Biripi defeated Wiradjuri Platypus in the girls.
Biripi then took out the under-16s boys over Tharawal and Barkindji downed Wiradjuri Platypus in the girls’ competition.
Visit pcycnsw.org.au/nations-of-origin for more information on the tournament.
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