The Sydney Swans have concluded their journey through the Top End with a successful ‘Kick The Habit’ Footy Festival in Maningrida - a smoke-free carnival that promoted an important health message through sport.
The three-day event was the catalyst of a trip in the West Arnhem Land that saw a contingent of Swans players and staff embark on a special eight-day journey.
Activities included visits to schools, aged care facilities, local homelands, and AFL clinics for the local community, with the mantra of ‘Strong Lungs, Strong Body, Say No To Smokes' at the heart of all messaging as the club looked to combat help the 50% of people in Maningrida who smoke.
- Read about the Swans visits to Jabiru, Ubirr and arrival in Maningrida
- Read about the Swans visits to schools, aged care facilities & homelands
In partnership with Malal'a Indigenous Health Service and as part of the Australian Government's Tackle Indigenous Smoking program, the club’s primary focus was to promote healthy living through footy, while also enriching their understanding of Australia’s connection to country and First Nations People.
The footy festival in particular was a resounding success that saw participants come from different parts of the West Arnhem Land region to play AFL.
Michael O’Loughlin, a Bloods Champion and one of 19 First Nations players to represent the Swans, said he was incredibly proud to take part in a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event.
"I've joined for the final four or five days and it has been pretty special. You can see the reactions from the community and we've got a huge number who have come from surrounding parts of Maningrida who have joined in on the action," O'Loughlin said.
"There have been a number of great lessons that have been learned from the community and certainly from our staff and players.
"It has been an absolute pleasure to be here (and it's) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come to a place like this."
AFL players Sam Wicks, Matt Roberts and Patrick Snell featured prominently in the festival, playing in fixtures across two action-packed days, while AFLW players Maddy Collier, Tanya Kennedy, Eliza Vale and Sarah Steele-Park (train-on) also played alongside members of the local community.
"It really does put things into perspective. I think some people have traveled from other islands to be here - even driven four or five hours to come here and play some footy," Wicks said.
"It's been a great way for us to connect with them because we obviously love our footy as well. It's a great way to bond with them."
A passionate Welcome to Country ceremony kicked off proceedings on Friday evening before boys and girls from different regions participated in a Youth Clinic. The AFL and AFLW players lead warm ups and training drills, before featuring in the four fixtures and having a kick with the locals.
The weekend saw an incredible two days of footy which males and females participating in a two-day tournament, which families and friends coming together from across Arnhem Land to partake in the event.
The community quickly filled with red and white as Swans merchandise was handed out. Gifts included Swans hats, t-shirts, stickers, shorts, jerseys and footballs thanks to QBE Insurance.
“QBE are proud to donate the AFL balls from this year’s QBE Ball Tower to the Maningrida Community and the surrounding areas," said David Hirsch, General Manager, Marketing & Customer Insights, QBE Insurance.
"QBE believe in enabling a resilient future for all and recognise the important role sports play in bringing people together, promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering teamwork.
"We hope this donation makes AFL more accessible to the Maningrida Community and help their young athletes pursue their passions and look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have there.”
The Swans would like to extend a sincere thank you to the community of Maningrida, the Australian Defence Force, Malal'a Health & AMSANT for their contribution in making the trip so memorable.
