Alice Springs (Mparntwe) and Parrtjima – A Festival in Light 2021 will be the backdrop for Fox Sports' coverage of the NRL Indigenous Round this weekend.
Fox Sports travelled to the Red Centre to film NRL legend Josh Addo-Carr, who was a speaker at this year's Parrtjima, and the Territory's own Danzal Baker OAM, aka Baker Boy. A Yolngu man, Baker Boy performed at Parrtjima in 2019 and since then has been awarded Young Australian of the Year. He continues to take Australia's hip-hop scene by storm.
The stars took part in filming when they were in Alice Springs last month. Film crews visited Parrtjima at Alice Springs Desert Park, and captured an exclusive sunset performance by Baker Boy at iconic Simpsons Gap. Baker Boy was accompanied by Addo-Carr, who is from the Gunggandji, Birrbay and Wiradjuri people of New South Wales. The two hope their involvement in the campaign will help celebrate the contribution of Indigenous athletes to sport all over Australia. The coverage also includes Aboriginal Territory-born Fox League presenter Hannah Hollis interviewing Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts and Josh Addo-Carr.
Thousands of viewers are expected to tune into Fox Sports' NRL coverage over the weekend.
An added bonus for Addo-Carr fans, the full recording of his talk with 2021 Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts will be made available at www.parrtjima.com.au.
Melbourne Storm premiership winner Addo-Carr shares the highs and lows of his career, his connection to culture and country, and his hopes for the next generation. While in Alice Springs for Parrtjima, the NRL star also spent time meeting local sports fans at a skills session in Todd Mall.
Fox Sport's coverage kicks off from Thursday 27 May 2021.
Quotes from Minister from Major Events, Natasha Fyles:
"The magic of this year's Parrtjima will spread that little bit further thanks to the partnership with Fox Sports, NRL legend Josh Addo-Carr and hip-hop artist Baker Boy.
"This broadcast will appear on screens across the country, showcasing Parrtjima and the Red Centre to millions of Australians, and inspiring them to travel to the heart of the country and experience everything it has to offer.
"Parrtjima's involvement in this campaign will not only help celebrate the amazing contribution Indigenous athletes have made to the code, but also the work of the artists involved in Parrtjima and the Territory's rich Indigenous culture."
Quotes from Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Chansey Paech:
"The festival may have wrapped up, but the 2021 artworks and displays will live on this weekend thanks to this important partnership.
"Parrtjima brings so many people to the Red Centre, and this year was no different – it boosts tourism and cultural experiences, creates jobs for Territorians and keeps the economy ticking over."
Quotes from NRL star, Fox League's Indigenous Round Ambassador and 2021 Parrtjima Program Speaker Josh Addo-Carr:
"I feel honoured to have been involved in this year's Parrtjima, and to be a face of Fox League's Indigenous Round campaign.
"It's so important to recognise the contribution of Indigenous athletes, our culture and how we've helped shape the game – I hope I can inspire the next generation of sporting stars to work hard and realise anything is possible if you put your mind to it."
Quotes from Danzal Baker OAM, aka Baker Boy:
"It's been a huge honour to be a part of the campaign for the NRL and AFL Indigenous rounds! It was amazing to head up to Alice Springs to film this incredible promo, and to meet Josh (Addo-Carr), the whole experience just had a really special feeling, like we were making something pretty iconic!
"I grew up watching and playing both AFL and NRL so it's a massive privilege to hear my music alongside some of the greats of both games, a real dream come true."
