AFL 9's at HRS NAIDOC Week celebrations
Clontarf Academy staff and students hosted a HRS all-school AFL 9’s competition during NAIDOC Week. Students of all ages took part and gave footy a go, sometimes for the first time.
The AFL 9’s is a non-contact game where teams can kick, mark, and handball without the fear of contact by older or bigger opposition. The skills shown by some of the players were extremely good - unlike the umpiring by Ben and Paddy on the day. Both male and female students formed combined teams and showed that footy has become a sport for everyone.
The oval was split into two grounds, allowing more students to participate. The two teams, Magenta and Grey, were evenly matched with the winning team being the team who kicked the most goals across the two grounds.
In the end it was the Grey Team that came away with the win. Both games were played with high intensity and good spirits. The Clontarf Academy were enormously impressed with the number of students and staff who came out to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the always popular sport of Football. Sport is a wonderful tool for bringing people together.
Well done to all those involved. It was a fun day. Thank you to Kristy, Mitch, and the other organisers for your hard work coordinating NAIDOC Week and making it a special and worthwhile event for us to be involved in.
Ben Dunn and Patrick Bowden
Clontarf Academy
