Latest News - 2010 Aboriginal Power Cup launched by the Minister for Youth
South Australian energy company Santos and the Port Adelaide Football Club have kicked off this year's Aboriginal Power Cup, announcing a new partnership to boost leadership programs and opportunities for Aboriginal secondary school children.
Power Chief Executive, Mark Haysman, said the club is delighted to have Santos as its new team mate.
"Santos has an outstanding commitment to embracing a citizenship role in the community and really seeks to make a difference," Mr Haysman said. "Those values fit perfectly with the Power."
The Aboriginal Power Cup harnesses the enthusiasm many Aboriginal students have for football to engage them in education, and to help them develop life skills such as teamwork, leadership and a healthy lifestyle.
Since its launch in 2008, the number of students involved has more than doubled - with over 300 taking part this year.
The investment of $250,000 in 2010 by the South Australian energy company will enable the Aboriginal Power Cup program to expand further over the next three years.
Santos Manager for Indigenous Affairs, Andrew Antony, said the energy company is dedicated to supporting the education, training and employment of young Aboriginal people in the energy sector.
"Santos is involved in a number of initiatives in this area and the Aboriginal Power Cup program is a good fit with our strategy that is focused on increasing Aboriginal workplace participation, particularly in the energy sector.
"Last year, school attendance jumped up to 23 per cent among students who took part in the Aboriginal Power Cup program. That is an outstanding outcome and one we want to continue to support."
"We think the program can achieve even more by adding dedicated leadership and transition to employment programs, and we are pleased to be working with the Power and the State Government on the project."
The Aboriginal Power Cup has been run for the past two years by a partnership of the Port Adelaide Football Club, the Attorney General's Department, the SA Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA) and the SANFL. Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson, said it's a great example of what can be achieved when the Government works in partnership to deliver innovative programs that engage at risk youth.
"We know that staying at school and receiving a good education is a key factor in preventing young people from engaging in crime and anti-social activity," he said.
"Last year 80% of students who took part in the Power Cup said the program encouraged them to stay on at school and finish year 12." Minister for Youth, Tom Koutsantonis, said the SA Aboriginal Sports and Training Academy had hit the mark by developing the program into a unique SACE unit in SAASTA schools.
"This is a ground-breaking program that integrates a State-wide sporting competition into classroom learning. This is clearly what many Aboriginal students have been looking for, to help them improve their studies and reach their full potential," he said.
Students receive additional motivation during school visits by stars of the Port Adelaide Football Club and former Port Adelaide captain, Gavin Wanganeen, who is now Ambassador for Youth Opportunity.
Players take students through a variety of educational exercises covering subjects such as team building, leadership, healthy living and career choices. Mr Wanganeen said it's not just about football. Students must have a high school attendance and contribute curriculum work to play in the football carnival.
"At the end of the semester, the Power Cup Grand Final, played as a curtain raiser to an actual Power game at AAMI Stadium, is between the two teams that perform best in all aspects of the competition - not just football," he said.
"To succeed in the Aboriginal Power Cup, students have to not only set goals, but actually go out and achieve them. It's a great opportunity for myself and the Power players to get out to the schools and encourage these kids to study hard and finish school."
Left to right: Marlon Motlop, Nathan Krakouer, Che Cockatoo-Collins (Santos), Governor Of South Australia and Wade Thompson.
