Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development and Minister for Sport Mark Arbib, today thanked Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes for his support of the Learn. Earn. Legend! Program.

Minister Arbib announced that as part of the Learn. Earn. Legend! partnership with the AFL, Goodes will be an ambassador for the program, which encourages young Indigenous Australians to stay in school or training and become a legend in their community.

Senator Arbib said he was proud to announce Adam Goodes as the Learn. Earn. Legend! Ambassador for 2011 and thanked him for his excellent work with young Indigenous people.

“Adam is a fantastic player and brilliant role model for young Indigenous Australians.  He has proven that through hard work and determination you can become a legend in your community,” Senator Arbib said.

Adam Goodes said he was very proud to continue his involvement with the Learn. Earn. Legend! program in 2011.

“This is a great program providing Indigenous kids with fantastic opportunities.  I am honoured to be involved and encourage young Indigenous Australians to achieve their dreams,” Goodes said.

The Learn. Earn  Legend partnership will also provide valuable funding for the Indigenous All Stars team participating in the AFLPA Indigenous Camp from January 29 to February 5.

Goodes has been named captain of the Indigenous All-Stars team and today declared he was fit and raring to go for the clash against Richmond, to be played at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

“I’ve spoken to Indigenous All-Stars coach Michael O’Loughlin and told him I’m ready to go,” he said.

“It is a fantastic honour to be captain of the All-Stars and I’m really looking forward to the entire week with the All-Stars team,” he said.