The 2012 Aboriginal Power Cup (APC) kicked off on Thursday at Alberton Oval, with 15 teams from schools around South Australia competing on the hallowed turf of Alberton Oval this week.
Schools from as far north as Ceduna and Coober Pedy and as close to home as Le Fevre and Salisbury High Schools will go head-to-head in a round robin tournament at Alberton on Thursday and Friday, with the leading teams to play in boys and girls grand finals before Port Adelaide’s AFL Indigenous Round match against North Melbourne on Saturday.
Power Community Ltd’s Aboriginal Engagement & Employment Manager Paul Vandenbergh coordinated the event and addressed the players, teachers and officials prior to the competition, with Minister for Youth Ian Hunter speaking about the importance of the Aboriginal Power Cup to generating positive outcomes for Aboriginal children in remote and metropolitan SA.
Kaurna Elder, Aunty Josie Agius conducted the Welcome to Country, and Santos Chief Human Resource Officer Petrina Coventry also spoke Santos’ partnership with the APC.
Port Adelaide’s Indigenous greats were also present, including Daniel Motlop, Elijah Ware, Wade Thompson and Che Cockatoo-Collins.
Umpires for the carnival were provided from community umpiring groups around Adelaide.
Continuing with the theme of Transitions and Personal Identity and the critical role of knowing their background, participants were treated to a BBQ which included traditional foods of kangaroo and wombat.
Stuart Kenny, a teacher from Murray Bridge High School said the carnival had run smoothly so far and the program had been instrumental in encouraging the Indigenous students to remain at school.
“The day has been very enjoyable, the facilities are great, the weather is great and the kids are pretty excited so it’s a good feeling,” he said.
“It’s really important to keep Indigenous students engaged - attendances are really important, they won’t get an education if they don’t attend school, so it’s great to have that focus and pathway through sports and it gives the kids something to look forward to.”
Captain of the Murray Bridge boys’ team, Justin Sumner said he enjoyed the competition and believes the Aboriginal Power Cup has encouraged him to reach his full potential.
“The day has been pretty good so far, it’s good to mix in with everyone and play football,” said Justin.
“I’m in Year 12 at the moment and I’m finding it hard in some parts but the Aboriginal Power Cup has helped me achieve and helped me believe I can do it and to keep working.
“I’m hoping to become a carpenter after I finish my construction course.”
Manager of Power Community Ltd Darren Adamson also spoke highly of the first day of the carnival with the opening ceremony being the highlight for him.
“The day is going really well, we are very happy with the opening ceremony this morning - 300 students all in uniform with the Governor, and the Minister for Communities and social inclusion, Minister for Youth.”
The teams design their own jumpers and the school with the best design is awarded a prize on grand final day.
“I know some schools that have done well with the jumper designs but I’m sworn to secrecy. The winning jumper is off to be framed and that will be presented on Saturday.”
The teams with the highest combined score from their performances in the football carnival, team spirit, sportsmanship and performance in the SACE program and UniSA Career Expo will go through to the semi finals on Friday.
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