Remote Hockey Program will present at the 5th IWG World Conference on Women and Sport

This conference will be held in Sydney Thursday 20th until Sunday 23rd May 2010. Here is a copy of the abstract.

COMBINING SPORT AND CULTURE TO ACHIEVE INCREASED

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS

Julie McNeil, Manager, Remote Hockey Program, Hockey Queensland, julie.mcneil4@bigpond.com

Chris Lucas Benn, Indigenous Trainee Development Officer, Hockey Queensland

Kim Cooper, Research and Projects Manager, Womensport Queensland

ABSTRACT: 

The physical and mental health benefits of increased levels of physical activity are well established.  The benefits of sport and recreation for individuals are also well known including opportunities to develop a sense of achievement, personal empowerment, self-esteem and respect for others. Sport and recreation also teaches self-discipline and team cooperation, and provides numerous community benefits including increased levels of community well being and social capital, and reduced social isolation[1].  Sport and recreation can also play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people and their communities. 

The broader historical and social contexts of Indigenous communities should underpin the design of programs and initiatives if they are to be sustainable[2].  Programs specifically designed for Indigenous women and girls’ must consider the cultural contexts of Indigenous communities in assisting to break down the cultural barriers that restrict participation in sport and recreation. 

This presentation describes the achievements of a Hockey Queensland initiative to deliver hockey programs into remote and Indigenous communities of Queensland. The Remote and Indigenous Hockey Development Program, known as remote hockey (RH), was established in 2002 and offers opportunities to expand horizons of thought, self awareness and self development through Hockey Art, Education and Player Development.  Following extensive community consultation and a greater understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions, programs combining the positive benefits of sport with cultural traditions were designed and delivered to all members of the community and included a focus on women and girls.  Remote Hockey successfully engaged women and girls in Cape York, Torres Strait Islands and Gulf Savannah communities. Program evaluation identified the importance of finding local solutions to local problems and that “Small Steps” were needed to bring about sustainable change.  The processes and strategies used to bring about this change will be presented.