Aboriginal kids on wave of stars

Alex de Vos
Australian and international sports stars descended on Jan Juc Beach this week to coax Aboriginal youths onto surfboards.
Ex-world champion surfer Layne Beachley, Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman, test cricket legend Steve Waugh and British Olympian Daley Thompson were among the stars to help launch the 10th annual Indigenous Surfing Project.
The project concludes with the highest achiever earning a wild-card entry to Easter’s Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.
Australian Sports Commission’s Richard Kilian said the program aimed to turn Aboriginal children against “anti-social behaviour”.
The program had so far attracted more than 20 youths from Geelong’s Wathaurong community, he said.
“Our main aim is to provide opportunities for indigenous people and to involve them in sporting activities,” Mr Kilian said.
“It gives them something to do as well as a sense of pride and community connection.”
As well as surfing skills, the project would also teach participants water safety and “ocean awareness”, Mr Kilian said.
“The program is also about providing pathways for Aboriginal children who want to become the next Kelly Slater or Layne Beachley.”
Mr Kilian said the two-day program would conclude with a mini-surfing competition, with the winner earning the Rip Curl Pro wild card.