Connecting with culture, Indigenous University Games is more than a sporting event

The 2017 Indigenous University Games presents an opportunity for indigenous students from across Australia to come together and compete in a variety in sports.

An event which encompasses more than sport, however, there is a real focus around connecting with those from the same cultural background.

Team Organiser Robyn Oxley said, “the Indigenous University Games extend the strong cultural traditions of community gathering.”

“It enables a connection from the Yulendj Indigenous Engagement Unit with broader Universities around Australia.”

“It is an opportunity for Indigenous students to network with other Indigenous University students and staff while showcasing some of our sporting and social talents.”

“The Indigenous University Games is an inclusive event that captures the Indigenous cohort and being able to represent Yulendj and Monash University is an absolute privilege that will be preserved for many generations of Yulendj Indigenous students, to come.”

The 2016 team photo. Picture: TeamMONASH


Monash student and returning Indigenous Athlete Liam Ketchup is very passionate about the Indigenous University Games.

Liam identified the focal point of the event “it’s an opportunity to play sport and connect with my culture, people who have the same interests and beliefs as you.”

It is also an opportunity for those within the Monash team to grow together.

“Everyone in the team comes together, we have trained together and we have become closer,” said Liam.

“It is a chance to consolidate the relationships you’ve created, and surround yourself with people from the same culture, we all support and look out for each other.”

The Indigenous University Games will be held in Geelong, June 25 – 29.

Each university team will compete in a different sport each day, Basketball – Monday, Netball – Tuesday, Volleyball – Wednesday, and Touch – Thursday.

Monash University competing in the Netball at the 2016 Indigenous University Games.
Picutre: Australian University Sport.

Liam has outlined Monash’s ambitions.

“We are an all-round team, with lots of strong individuals with great athletic ability, said Liam.

“We’d love to take out a sport, in particular basketball, our team has a few very strong basketball players.”

Monash has made it a habit of improving their results each year, Liam highlighted the significance of improving on their overall finish from last year.

“It’s important that we improve on last year, maintain the trend, and continue to set a high standard to aim for each year.”

Monash University wishes the team heading to the Indigenous University Games all the best as they both compete in the sporting competitions and connect with other indigenous students from around Australia.

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Written by: James Oana
Media Coordinator

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