Peel Thunder set to celebrate NAIDOC Week

Monday, 29 June 2009 22:40
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NAIDOC JumpersFor the very first time in Australian sporting history, all clubs in one competition will participate in the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) celebrations across two weekends, beginning in Round 15 on July 4 and continuing in Round 16 on July 10 and 11.

Aboriginal WAFL umpire Brandon Simpson will also be involved in the NAIDOC celebrations, which will be based on the theme of "honouring our elders, nurturing our youth".

During the NAIDOC weekends, all players will wear uniforms specially designed by Aboriginal artist Richard Walley. Richard has incorporated various Aboriginal themes into all nine WAFL club jumpers based on their history. These jumper designs were presented and promoted to United Nations (UN) in New York last month by Richard Walley, with the UN congratulating and recognising Richard’s work and achievement in leading this project.The Department of Indigenous Affairs has funded the production of all jumpers and is the sponsor of the WAFL NAIDOC weekends.

WA Football Commission Director of Football Grant Dorrington said the WAFL was very excited about this year’s NAIDOC events.

"With the two WAFL clubs, Claremont and South Fremantle, initiating this journey in 2007, it has taken only two years for the WAFL NAIDOC themed rounds to come into fruition" said Dorrington.

Peel Thunder will host Claremont on July 11th at Rushton Park. Brett Hill from the Mandurah Centrals Junior Football Club will be the Naidoc Ambassador for this round, with Quinton Bolton the Indigenous Peel Thunder player profiled. Some of the festivities you can expect on Game Day:

  • 'Welcome to Country' address - Where a traditional Aboriginal Custodian will welcome people to their Land.
  • Traditional Performances - Traditional Welcoming Song, a Traditional Dance, a Didgeridoo performance.
  • Half time sprint challenge between Peel Junior Football League Indigenous Representatives.

NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in July each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of indigenous Australians.