Tokyo Olympics 2021: Live site tour will bring Olympics to remote Indigenous communities

Twenty one years ago, Cathy Freeman captured the nation’s attention. Now, the AOC will be helping unearth more Indigenous sporting idols in remote communities.

Wimbledon Champion Ash Barty and NBA star Patrick Mills will light up the sky in some of the most remote Indigenous communities in the country as part of the Australian Olympic Committee live site tour.

The AOC with the help of The Royal Australian Air Force will be flying into places like Torres Strait and Cape York to bring live coverage of the Games to all corners of the country.

Twenty one years ago, Cathy Freeman captured the nation’s attention as she ran to victory in the 400 metre event at the Sydney Olympics. Freeman also captured the heart and mind of a 12-year old Mills, a proud Kokatha, Naghiralgal and Dauareb-Meriam man, as she celebrated her gold medal draped with the Aboribal flag.

For Kemer Meriam Nation man and former Boomer Danny Morseu, who represented Australia in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics, the AOC live site tour is a chance for Indigenous children to unearth new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting idols - with a record 16 indigenous Olympians to represent Australia in Tokyo.

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Patty Mills was inspired by Cathy Freeman.

“A lot of kids in these communities will be inspired by seeing the Indigenous Olympians. Especially in remote communities where there aren’t the same opportunities as other parts of Australia. It promotes an awareness of our athletes and the Olympic movement. They can go on and have those conversations with their families about wanting to be an athlete,” Morseu said.

AOC CEO Mark Carroll is hopeful the next crop of up and coming Indigenous athletes will get a chance to represent their people and culture on home soil in Brisbane in 2032.

The IOC will vote for the host of the 2032 Olympics on July 21.

“Our current Olympians were kids in 2000, Patty Mills often talks about how Cathy Freeman inspired him. It’s the eight, 10-year-olds of today who will be the Olympians in 2032. We have 16 indigenous Olympians at these games but I would love to see even more Indigenous athletes representing Australia,” Carroll said.

The AOC’s Reconciliation Action Plan and its commitment to improving the outcomes of Indigenous youth was a significant part of the Brisbane bid.

It also led to the creation of the Indigenous Advisory Committee, which is chaired by sprint star Patrick Johnson.

The IAC not only wants to increase the representation of Olympians but also the number of Indigenous coaches across all Olympic sports.

The AOC is hopeful the likes of Ash Barty and Patty Mills will inspire the next generation of Indigenous athletes. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

“We want the run into games and the 10 years after the games to be a manifestation of making real change. Indigenous representation on the organising committee will be crucial. One of the things we are doing, based on what the IAC told us, is finding a pathway to bring indigenous athletes into coaching positions. Having indigenous coaches will inspire more indigenous athletes,” Carroll said.

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the program is an extension of the RAAF’s work in remote communities in far north Queensland.

“The cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Olympic Committee shows their commitment to leverage synergies between the two organisations’ Reconciliation Action Plans,” Dutton said.

“C-27J Spartan aircraft from 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, routinely operate in remote airfields throughout Australia’s north, maintaining a connection with local Indigenous communities while conducting training at these austere airfields.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the tour showcased the power of sport to inspire and connect people.

“We are a vast State but we are also inclusive, and this initiative celebrates the positive role sport can play in creating opportunity for young Queenslanders,” Palaszczuk said.

“It is inspiring to think that the young athletes of today could be our future Olympians at a potential home games in 2032.

“These programs not only help to open up elite pathways but also support healthy and active communities.

“Should we be successful in being awarded the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games next month there is an opportunity to use the decade-long runway to benefit communities all over the State.”