THE PCYC Nations of Origin is tipped to return to Port Stephens next year after a highly successful tournament in Raymond Terrace last week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 800 athletes aged 15 and 16 made up 64 teams and represented 26 Aboriginal nations in the rugby league tournament held at Lakeside Sporting Complex on July 1 and 2.
It is estimated the event has injected about $1 million into the Port's economy.
Also read: The Port celebrates NAIDOC Week
Nations of Origin uses sport as a vehicle for reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous members of the community.
PCYC NSW community engagement manager Paula Skinner said the focus of the competition was cultural identity.
"This provides an opportunity for non-Aboriginal young people to learn about their local Aboriginal culture and foster relationships and understanding between local cultures," she said.
Port Stephens councillor Peter Kafer, who coached the Worimi Nation's two under-16 girls sides, said this year's tournament exceeded expectations.
"No one expected the tournament to run quite as well as it did, especially because this was the first time we held it here," Cr Kafer said.
The event kicked off with the soccer played at Lake Macquarie on June 30.
The Worimi Nation had two teams entered.
The rugby league was played at Lakeside on July 1 and 2.
Both girls under-16 teams made it to the semi-finals.
The two boys under-16 sides bottomed out in the quarters.
EARLIER:
SOME of NSW's most exciting up-and-coming rugby league talent was on show at Lakeside Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace on Wednesday for the PCYC Nations of Origin event.
The tournament will see about 900 girls and boys aged between 14 and 16 play rugby league at Lakeside.
PCYC NSW community engagement manager Paula Skinner said the focus of the tournament was cultural identity.
“All teams will be representing their community under their traditional local Aboriginal nation name from their area, with uniforms adorned with totems of their Aboriginal nation,” she said.
“This provides an opportunity for non-Aboriginal young people to learn about their local Aboriginal culture and foster relationships and understanding between local cultures.”
The event will wrap up on Thursday, July 2.
Also read: Young give unity a sporting chance