The Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS) recently held one of two UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day at Maitland Basketball Stadium, a significant event aimed at discovering and nurturing Indigenous athletic talent across various schools in the Hunter region.
This initiative brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Hunter High Schools to engage in a talent identification event. Participants showcased their skills across multiple sporting disciplines: Aussie Rules Football, Basketball, Netball, Golf, Triathlon, Baseball/Softball and Functional Movement Screenings and Testing.
Developed through a partnership between UAA, the Talent Identification Day aims to unearth local Indigenous talent. The program seeks to provide full scholarships to the Academy’s sports programs for the standout performers, paving their way to a comprehensive six-week training program commencing in Term 3, 2024. Successful students will be invited to join existing sports programs run by HAS throughout the year.
We are delighted to announce and congratulate the talented athletes identified during the event. These individuals showcased outstanding potential and will now have the opportunity to receive specialized training and support to hone their skills further:
- Darcy Lawson – Hunter Sports High
- Darryn Vaggs – Catherine McAuley
- Ethan Taylor – Maitland High
- Grace Seiver – St Pius X
- Hamilton Dobson – Belmont Christian
- Indi Bale – St Pius X
- Izaak Allison – San Clemente High
- Jessie Sepos – Catherine McAuley
- Kobie Clarke – Catherine McAuley
- Lola Hardin – Catherine McAuley
- Mitchell McKenzie – St Pius X
- Ruby Lillyman – All Saints Maitland
- Ruby Williamson – Hunter Sports High
- Ryan Brown – Great Lakes Tuncurry
- Taya Suron – St Joseph’s Lochinvar
- Tori Daley – Hunter Sports High
- Willow Barry – Belmont Christian
- Willow Garnham – St Joseph’s Lochinvar
- Willow Toomey – Hunter Sports High
- Xavier Martin – St Joseph’s Lochinvar
- Zac Richards – Catherine McAuley
These athletes exhibited impressive abilities across various sports disciplines. HAS is excited to support these athletes on their journey, providing them with the necessary resources, training, and mentorship to excel in their respective sports.
The Indigenous Talent ID Day is a crucial component of HAS’s broader mission to promote diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in sports. By identifying and nurturing indigenous talent, the academy aims to create pathways for young athletes to achieve their sporting dreams and represent their communities proudly.
Thankyou to our event partners UAA and Steadfast for making this day possible.
A second event will be held on Tuesday, 14th August at Muswellbrook Indoor Sports Centre for all Upper Hunter schools. Please visit hunteracademy.org.au/programs/indigenous-talent-id/ for more information.
