News - The Woolyungah Dolphins at the National Indigenous Games

October 12 2006

The Woolyungah Dolphins – at the 11th National Indigenous Tertiary Education Student Games – Griffith University, Queensland 2006.

Indigenous students from the University of Wollongong have just returned from Griffith University in Queensland having competed in the 11th National Indigenous Tertiary Education Student Games. The games are contested between Indigenous students from all over Australia. This year there were 9 teams competing, with teams from Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney and Wollongong.

These games were by far the best that Wollongong has competed in. The students finished 3rd overall having competed in the finals for volleyball, netball and basketball. Wollotuka (Newcastle University) took out the overall title followed by Queensland University of Technology. The games are made up of 4 sports, volleyball, touch football, netball and basketball. All teams are mixed with at least 3 female players competing in each team at any one time. The games also include a local Indigenous traditional game which is played by all participants.

The Indigenous Tertiary Games are a wonderful opportunity for Indigenous students to get together and compete in a spirit of camaraderie and also to mingle sociably with Indigenous students from others parts of Australia. The games also provide an opportunity for students to come together and form long lasting friendships, networks and support during studies and for future career prospects.

A great time was had by all, a special thanks to all those who supported the students, including Lynne Wright from EED, the Faculty of Health & Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Education, WUSA, The Illawarra Aboriginal medical centre and the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

The great news for the University of Wollongong is that we are hosting the 12th Indigenous Games next year and look forward to a record number of Indigenous students and Universities attending in 2007.