MORE than 300 students from around South Australia will take part in the 2011 Aboriginal Power Cup from this Friday June 24th.
Participants come from 23 secondary schools and make up 28 teams (14 boys and 14 girls) which will compete in a nine-a-side competition proudly supported by Power Community Ltd, the community development arm of Port Adelaide Football Club.
Preliminary matches and Semi-Finals will be played at Alberton Oval on Friday and Saturday, with the Grand Finals played at AAMI Stadium ahead of the Power’s clash with North Melbourne on Sunday.
In its fourth year, the Aboriginal Power Cup - an initiative of the State Government and sponsored by Santos, with additional support from Transfield Services - promotes off-field development as well as participation in the football matches.
In 2011 the focus in on skills development, with each participant working throughout Terms 1 and 2 on Life/Work Skills units that prepare them for employment or further study and life beyond the education system.
Participation in the program and the curriculum-based activities counts towards the students’ South Australian Certificate of Education.
Power Community Limited Manager Darren Adamson said: “The program has increased school attendance and SACE completions for Aboriginal students, and we will continue to support students in the transition from school into further training, education and employment pathways.”
The 2011 event begins with an Opening Ceremony at Alberton Oval at 10am on Friday, with the first matches underway from 10.30am and running until 5pm. The games continue on Saturday, with Semi-Finals in the afternoon.
The Grand Finalists will be chosen based not only on the outcome of the games, but also on the team-members’ successful participation in the off-field activities.
In addition to the sporting contest, the 2011 event will include a Career Expo at the Port Club on Friday, educational workshops at Alberton on Saturday and cultural activities on Sunday.
2011 ABORIGINAL POWER CUP TEAMS:
City (Boys and Girls) - Christies Beach & Warriappendi, Fremont Elizabeth City, Para West & Maitland, Le Fevre & Oceanview, Salisbury, Windsor Gardens and Roma Mitchell & Para Hills.
Country (Boys and Girls) - Ceduna, Pt Augusta, John Pirie, Pt Lincoln, Coober Pedy, Whyalla and Murray Bridge.
The public is invited to come to Alberton on Friday and Saturday to watch the preliminary matches and Semi-Finals. Entry is free.
