Young people from Armidale’s multicultural communities put their sporting skills to the test at the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) Multicultural Youth Talent Identification Day, held at Sport UNE today, Thursday 24 September.

The event brought together students aged 13 to 17 from Ezidi, Congolese and other culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Participants took part in fitness testing and tried AFL, basketball and volleyball. Coaches observed their skills and athletic abilities, with those showing potential to be considered for further development opportunities through NIAS.

NIAS Regional Manager Sue Charles said the day helped young people discover opportunities they may not have considered.

“Some of these young people may never have had the chance to try these sports. By combining new sporting experiences with fitness testing, we can identify strengths they might not even realise they have,” Mrs Charles said.

“This day was made possible by the NSW Government’s multicultural grant funding and our partnership with the Rotary Club of Armidale. We hope to offer scholarships into NIAS programs to some of the athletes identified today. That could be the start of an exciting pathway for them.”

NIAS thanks the NSW Government for its multicultural grant funding and the Rotary Club of Armidale for its partnership in delivering the initiative. NIAS also thanks Sport UNE, UNE Life, AFL NSW, Armidale Basketball Association and UNE Volleyball Club for their time and support on the day.

The Talent ID Day forms part of NIAS’s commitment to helping talented young athletes across the region develop their sporting potential.