Olympians join Indigenous Marathon’s IWD Fun Run

The Australian Olympics Committee’s Olympics Unleashed team of two-time Olympian and Dunghutti boxer Brad Hore and Olympic racewalker Beki Smith were on Waiben last week to share their stories with schools and participate in the Indigneous Marathon Foundation’s International Women’s Day fun run/walk.

Brad said the Olympics Unleashed program was really important to them.

“It is so important as it gives us the opportunity, as Olympians, to give back to the community,” he said. “It is a very tight community on Thursday Island, so being from that small community it takes a lot of guts to leave for the mainland and chase your dreams.

“It is important for us just to inspire these kids and let them know it’s going to be tough but your family is always going to be there supporting you.

“I want to help the kids keep those dreams alive, encourage them to dream big and not be scared to give it a go.”

He said they could see it in their eyes.

“Some of the kids want to do it and they just need to find that pathway,” he said.

“So, to be able to share our stories, explain how we did it and let them know that, yes, it’s a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication, that there is going to be ups and downs, but they just need to keep pushing past those barriers, do their best and not give up – because you never know where it will take you.”

Beki said it was an amazing visit.

“Our visit to Thursday Island was amazing, whenever we get to go and do visits in remote communities it is a lot of fun and you learn a lot from the local people,” she said.

“You are giving and learning a lot at the same time, so it’s a really nice combination.

“We were able to go out onto the water and learn the local ways, do some fishing, and it was just a great experience to be involved in.

“As an Olympian, and being one of only 60 known indigenous

Olympians, I see it as a responsibility to step up and share the power of sport back into these communities and the life skills you gain through sport, and the journey you go on.

“Spreading that message to the kids and helping them to discover self-belief, it’s really important.

“Sharing knowledge and storytelling, it’s just a part of who we are as First Nations people, it’s just what we do.

“It is amazing to be able to go back to the communities and reconnect with the students, that is

To lead, provide and facilitate a sustainable, safe and culturally vibrant community

Expressions of Interest for Festival Stalls during the 2023 Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival are now open. All interested in acquiring a stall must complete an Expression of Interest form and lodge to Torres Shire Council.

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Dalassa Yorkston

something Olympics Unleashed provides and the students also get the sense that they matter, they’re important and they can do it as well.”

She said the IMF Fun Run was a highlight.

“It’s amazing to be able to support people doing amazing things in their community and I always get really inspired and motivated seeing this as well,” she said.

“The IMF Fun Run was unreal, there were so many families and aunties and uncles and young ones having ball, and it was great to connect as a community and feel welcomed.

“It is an emotion and a feeling that is hard to explain, the power and magic that comes from connecting with community through sport is quite indescribable.

“If there is one thing I’d love the kids to take from our visit, it’s that they can achieve whatever they want to if they believe in themselves.

“It can be challenging, it can be tough, but if you believe in yourself enough and you never give up then you can achieve whatever you put your mind to, whether that is in sport or not.” Pics supplied.

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