Over 100 aspiring athletes from schools across the Western Region headed to Dubbo Christian School and PCYC Orange on the 13th and 14th of May to engage in and discover their talent at the Western Region Academy of Sport’s (WRAS) Indigenous Talent Identification Day.
This event, made possible through the generous support of Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA) was a resounding success, showcasing the depth of sporting talent across the Western region.
Students from schools spanning from West Wyalong to Lithgow participated in a full day of testing and skills-based activities designed to uncover emerging athletic potential. The program featured a diverse selection of sports, including golf, netball, basketball, rugby union and league, as well a battery of athletic performance testing.
Each activity was carefully curated to assess key performance indicators such as agility, coordination, endurance and sport-specific skills.
The UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day is part of a broader initiative aimed at creating equitable access to high-performance sport pathways for Indigenous youth. By identifying promising athletes early, WRAS can provide tailored support to help them thrive both on and off the field.
Standout performers will be invited to trial and pending their success at trial, scholarship opportunities in WRAS sports programs, commencing in line with 2026-7 programs in Term 4, 2026. These scholarships include access to elite coaching, athlete education and strength and conditioning services – critical components in preparing young athletes for long-term success.
Candice Boggs, WRAS Regional Manager said of the event, “The day continues to grow with numbers increasing across the region, thanks to the tireless efforts of the local schools and community groups encouraging and supporting athlete engagement. WRAS looks forward to more success stories emerging from this year’s identified athletes.”
Now a key fixture in the Academy’s calendar, the Indigenous Talent Identification Day continues to grow in scale and impact. It offers a clear and structured pathway for aspiring athletes to progress through development programs and into higher levels of competition, including state and national representation.
WRAS extends its heartfelt thanks to all participating schools, families, coaches and partners who contributed to the success of the day. Their support plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Indigenous sporting talent.
