Armidale teenagers from Ezidi, Congolese and other culturally diverse backgrounds will get the chance to be scouted by talent spotters next week, as the Northern Inland Academy of Sport hosts its Multicultural Youth Talent Identification Day at SportUNE.
The event runs from 9.30am to 2pm on Thursday, 24 September, with NIAS teaming up with the Rotary Club of Armidale to give young people from Armidale’s Ezidi, Congolese and broader multicultural communities a shot at showcasing their sporting potential. Students aged 13 to 17 from those backgrounds are eligible, with students from all local schools and home schooled students welcome to attend. Interested athletes can register online.
Regional Manager Sue Charles said the day builds on work NIAS has already done identifying Indigenous talent in the region.
“This Multicultural Talent Identification Day is a natural extension of the work NIAS has already undertaken with Indigenous young people across our region,” Ms Charles said.
“We have seen firsthand the impact targeted talent identification can have when barriers to participation are removed and opportunities are brought directly into communities.”
Local refugee communities already have some heroes to inspire them, including Sydney Kings player Makuach Maluach, who came to Armidale as a refugee from South Sudan in 2009.
“With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, now is the time to identify and nurture the next generation of athletes,” Ms Charles said.
“Somewhere in regional NSW could be the next Gout Gout, an athlete whose talent simply needs the right opportunity to be discovered and developed.”
“Through fitness and performance testing, we can identify the physical attributes of each participant and help connect them with sports to which they may be naturally suited, even if they have never considered those sports before,” Ms Charles said.
Athletes who stand out may be offered scholarships into NIAS programs through the Rotary partnership, giving them access to specialised coaching and athlete education.
An Armidale Rotary spokesperson said the club recognised the initiative’s value as soon as NIAS approached them.
“Armidale Rotary has proudly supported multicultural communities for many years.”
“When NIAS approached us with this initiative, we immediately recognised the positive impact it could have on local young people.”
“Sport has a unique ability to bring communities together. This program will not only help identify athletic talent but also build confidence, strengthen connections and create a sense of belonging for young people from diverse cultural backgrounds.”
Those keen to show their skills can register here
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