Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Under 7 Mini Olympics 05.09.2025
After a wash out with our neck of the woods receiving a good dose of rain our annual favourite the ATSI Children’s Day Mini Olympics originally scheduled for 8th August was cancelled. This was also after all efforts to have the event moved to an undercover area so that our little people did not miss out. But Mother Nature persisted and the undercover space kindly offered by Frank Partridge VC Public School could not accommodate for the amount of rain that fell.
Nonetheless the games still needed to go ahead, even if delayed! With a new date and feeling positive that the weather would be on our side, the event went ahead on the 5th September. With 8 participating schools and approximately 220 little people in attendance, the day was super charged with oodles of energy, enthusiasm and fun activities to keep the happy hormone factor alive and flourishing! Bee Donovan’s Welcome to Country set a wonderful tone that radiated throughout the day. An onsite coffee van kept teachers and all the big kids happy with a steady supply of caffeine and homemade sweet treats. Uncle Ritchie’s obstacle course, an all time favourite, as usual was a winner. Ample activities on offer including the sack and 3 legged race, the parachute game, lawn croquet, cornhole, a fun sensory space courtesy of Jaanymili Bawrrungga as well as an up close and personal with the local Rural Fire Service Truck. Our youngsters delighted in time with a fireperson and had a go at handling a live fire hose loaded with water. Durri Medical Services offered a wonderful assortment of takeaway treats ranging from cool sunnies to yoyo’s, sensory toys and toothpaste for our youngsters and there was an ample supply of fresh fruit courtesy of Nambucca Heads Woolworths. A well respected local, Virginia Jarrett from Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation engaged youngsters with an interactive song activity in language which was welcomed with open arms. As the day drew to an end our youngsters walked away with a goodies bag from SNAICC also stashed with fun stuff from the Rural Fire Service and Durri.
On behalf of Lifetime Connect and HIPPY, heartfelt gratitude and an appreciation for everyone that united and made the day super awesome. Thank you goes to Uncle Ritchie Donovan; Bee Donovan; Virginia Jarrett; Jaanymili Bawrrungga; Durri Medical Services; the Rural Fire Service; Nambucca Woolworths; Bowraville Central School; Bowraville Pre School; Frank Partridge VC Public School; St Marys Primary School; Medlow Public School; St Patricks Primary School; Scotts Head Public School; and Valla Pre School.
