THE Aboriginal Power Cup has kicked off for 2011, with the State Government, Port Adelaide Football Club (PAFC) and SANTOS continuing their partnership to deliver more programs and opportunities for Aboriginal secondary school children.
Attorney-General John Rau announced today that the Government would fund the initiative for another three years.
The Government will provide $97,920 each year to the Port Adelaide Football Club for the coming years of 2011, 2012 and 2013.
This year, the Aboriginal Power Cup will be delivered through the school curriculum and will again be aligned with SACE, where students can gain 10 credits towards their SACE Stage 1 or Stage 2 Integrated Learning subjects.
Mr Rau said the program was becoming bigger and better than ever before.
“We know that staying in school and continuing with education is a critical factor in preventing young people from engaging in crime and anti-social activity”, Mr Rau said.
“This program works, which is why the Government is pleased to continue giving it strong support.”
The Aboriginal Power Cup engages Aboriginal students through sport, and encourages them to continue with their schooling and to make positive life-style choices.
Santos Chief Executive Officer David Knox said the energy company will continue to support the education, training and employment of young Aboriginal people in the energy sector.
“The Aboriginal Power Cup is one of a number of initiatives in this area for Santos, and aligns with our goal to increase Aboriginal workplace participation, particularly in the energy sector”, Mr Knox said.
“Our aim is to help young Aboriginal people reach their full potential by positively engaging with them and creating employment and training opportunities.
“Being a part of the Aboriginal Power Cup, which connects sport and education is an exciting endeavour, and we are pleased to continue our partnership with the Port Adelaide Football Club and the State government on this project”.
The Aboriginal Power Cup is in its fourth year, and is an initiative of the State Government in partnership with the PAFC, Santos, the SA Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA) and the SANFL.
Students will receive additional motivation throughout the program during school visits by stars of the Power.
Power players visit schools that are involved and cover a range of educational exercises with participants such as leadership, healthy living and career choices.
These exercises align with the curriculum, and encourage students to make positive life-style choices and to continue with their schooling.
While the program harnesses the enthusiasm of young Aboriginal students for sport, PAFC Chief Executive Mark Haysman said it’s not just about football.
“The final outcome of the Power Cup is determined by more than footy scores alone”, Mr Haysman said.
“School attendance and curriculum scores are major contributors which essentially influence the final result.
“At the end of the semester, the Aboriginal Power Cup Grand Final, played as a curtain raiser to Power v Kangaroos at AAMI stadium, is between two teams that perform best in all aspects of the competition - not just football.
“For participants to be successful, they must display commitment, dedication and teamwork. This is not only on the footy field, but in the classroom as well”.
Further information on the Aboriginal Power Cup can be found at www.aboriginalpowercup.com.au.
