Kimberley Cup: A Celebration of Sporting Success
More than 150 students from schools across the Kimberley gathered in Broome recently to participate in the largest school sporting event in the region.
Smarter than Smoking Kimberley Cup 2021 was held over four days during 28 June and 1 July and ignited not only passion, but leadership and strength amongst Kimberley school students.
Playing sports has clear social, physical and mental health benefits for young people, and student participation in the Kimberley Cup is no exception.
Kimberley Cup Coordinator Shannon Lockyer said the event was an amazing opportunity for students to connect with youth from all over the Kimberley, showcasing their sporting ability and talent.
“I’ve got no doubt this event has met the mark this year. Having witnessed the kids’ passion whilst competing, their positive attitude, and respect and mindfulness toward each other was awesome.”
“The support from teachers was also second to none. Everybody was really flexible in the way they operated, and the teamwork and collegiality between teachers, school staff and Garnduwa was exceptional.”
“It’s great to see students emerging as leaders in sport. There’s so much young talent on display in the Kimberley, and watching kids come into their own as superior sports people is admirable.”
Shannon says he applauds the effort Kimberley schools and students went to to attend the event, given the travel distances in the Kimberley are vast.
“Despite the region’s remoteness, everybody put in a huge effort to get to Broome to take part in this years’ Kimberley Cup. It was remarkable to have everyone in the same place for the week.”
“We are also thrilled that despite the challenges of the pandemic, kids were able to take part in this important annual event in a COVID-safe way.”
All the schools did exceptionally well in each of the tournaments, which included basketball, football, volleyball and netball. Looma girls and Derby boys took out the basketball championship, and Yirrimilay/Looma/La Grange combined won the boys football competition and Wyndham/Halls Creek combined won the girls football competition.
Participating schools included Broome Senior High School, St Marys, Derby District, Bidyadanga Remote Community School, Kununurra District High School, Looma RCS, One Arm Point School, Yirramalay Wesley College, Fitzroy Crossing District High School, Kalumburu Remote Community School, Wyndham District High School and Halls Creek District High School.
A huge shoutout to Broome Senior High School for organising the event.
Garnduwa is looking forward to seeing Kimberley schools and communities come together again in 2022, with hopefully a bigger and even better event.
Garnduwa is funded by Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the Shire of Broome. Garnduwa would also like to acknowledge the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) for their on-going support.