Young indigenous athletes across the Northern Inland Region are honing their skills ahead of the annual UAA / NIAS Indigenous Talent Identification Day. This highly anticipated event, hosted by the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS), promises a day filled with sport, camaraderie, and boundless opportunities for indigenous athletes to shine.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, 26th June
• Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Location: Armidale Secondary College

Registration: Click here to register Spotlight on Young Indigenous Athletes: This year, the UAA Indigenous Talent ID Day is set to empower young indigenous athletes by providing them with the tools and opportunities to excel in a variety of sports. The event welcomes aspiring athletes aged 13 to 16 from the Northern Inland region, offering a platform to showcase their talents and gain exposure to high-level coaching and mentoring.

NIAS athlete Nya Quinlan highlights the significance of such opportunities, stating, “Having access to additional sport-specific skills and fitness training through NIAS has assisted me greatly on my athletic journey. Opportunities to meet and train together on a regular basis allowed for team bonding and building confidence.”

Nya also addresses the unique challenges faced by athletes in rural and regional areas, noting that “athletes in regional centres do not have access to the same opportunities as those in and around metro centres. In the regions, we are more spread out, so we must travel considerable distances to train together as a squad or access high-level competition. There are significant financial burdens associated with the required travel to be able to access opportunities that are based away from home.”

Reflecting on her experiences at previous UAA days, Nya shares, “Indigenous athletes in the region coming together for UAA days has been extremely enjoyable. It is nice to connect with other Indigenous athletes, work on our fitness, and have an opportunity to shine. The environment is empowering and uplifting, and I can’t wait for this year’s UAA day.”

Special Guest: Participants will also have the chance to be inspired by NRL legend and Indigenous advocate, Dean Widders. With a career adorned with achievements and a passion for empowering Indigenous talent, Widders will assist on the day with mentoring, coaching, and inspirational leadership.

What is UAA Day? UAA Indigenous Talent ID Day is your gateway to elevating your sporting journey to new heights. Hosted by NIAS, this event welcomes aspiring Indigenous athletes aged 13 – 16 to join us for a day of fun-filled sports activities and fitness testing.

Athletes identified during the day will receive an exclusive invitation to join the NIAS Sports Programs selection trials later in the year, paving the way for further opportunities to hone their skills and excel in their chosen sports.

Eligibility: Open to both male and female athletes aged 13 to 16 in 2024, who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and currently reside within the Local Government Area of the Northern Inland.

Further Details and Registration: To register, click here. For more information and enquiries about the specifics of the UAA/NIAS Indigenous Talent ID Day, please contact the NIAS office at [email protected] or call (02) 6766 2526.