July 6, 2023

UOW to host the 28th Indigenous Nationals in 2024

Four-day multisport competition will host over 500 athletes

The University of Wollongong (UOW) will host the 28th Indigenous Nationals competition in 2024. The partnership was signed between UniSport Australia (UniSport) and the Wollotuka Institute, today (Thursday 6 July).

The Indigenous Nationals is an annual week-long multisport competition that brings together students from universities across Australia to compete in a variety of sports and crown one university team the champion of the games.

The event connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from around Australia in a powerful way through sport, promoting positive role models, health, fitness, and wellbeing.

UOW Executive Director,Indigenous Strategy, Jaymee Beveridge is thrilled the event is coming to Wollongong.

“The University of Wollongong is beyond thrilled to host the 2024 Indigenous Nationals. This is an amazing opportunity to showcase our beautiful campus and share Wollongong with visitors from all over Australia. We look forward to a delivering a week filled with sporting events, social activities and sharing of Country with over 500 student athletes and team managers. 2024 looks exciting for our Wollongong Community,” Ms Beveridge said.

Students will compete in basketball, netball, touch football, and volleyball to determine the overall champion.

UniSport Chief Executive Officer, Mark Sinderberry congratulated the UOW for winning the rights to host the 2024 Indigenous Nationals.

“UniSport is committed to providing opportunities to connect students to their universities in a meaningful way. It strengthens students’ connections with their respective university and is an opportunity for universities to have purposeful engagement with their indigenous student cohort on campus.” Sinderberry said.

The event was secured with the support of Destination Wollongong, bringing the competition to the Wollongong region for the first time.

Jeremy Wilshire,  Major Events & Special Projects at Destination Wollongong, said: “Being proud of both of our Dharawal heritage and the modern contribution of the University of Wollongong to our city, we are delighted to host the UniSport Indigenous Nationals for the first time.

“We trust the participants will get to enjoy some of the amazing things to see and do while they’re in the Illawarra – from our great outdoors, to attractions, thriving foodie scene an of course, our cultural products, including the Dharawal Cultural Experience at our Visitor Information Centre."

UOW Dean of Sport Professor Marc in het Panhuis said the University was thrilled to host the prestigious event and looked forward to welcoming the athletes to Wollongong.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to UniSport and Destination Wollongong for their invaluable support in bringing the 28th Indigenous Nationals to UOW,” Professor in het Panhuis said.

“This partnership highlights the commitment of UniSport and Destination Wollongong to promoting inclusivity, cultural exchange, and the well-being of our indigenous student community. We are thrilled to be hosting this prestigious event and look forward to delivering an exceptional experience for all participants.”