With the Aboriginal Power Cup kicking off today, the South Australian Government has committed $100,000 in the 2019-20 State Budget for continued support of the Port Adelaide Football Club's flagship Aboriginal community program.
"This is an important program which encourages Aboriginal secondary students to stay at school for longer and engage with their culture and education," Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said.
"We know that by staying at school and by actively taking part and engaging in learning, students have greater opportunities and are much more likely to go on to further education, training or employment after school has finished."
Established in 2008, the Aboriginal Power Cup sees hundreds of students from across South Australian schools participate in a program that has a competitive football carnival at its centrepiece.
Participating students must complete SACE units by completing curriculum work throughout the program. The Aboriginal Power Cup, which is run in partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy, culminates in a final played as a curtain raiser to a Port Adelaide game at Adelaide Oval.
To reach the final, teams must meet the 80 per cent minimum school attendance requirement, and rank highly in both the academic and football components of the program.
"The Aboriginal Power Cup actively encourages participation in education, and also empowers Aboriginal students to connect with their culture, which builds resilience and confidence," Ms Chapman said.
"By working together with others and learning new skills that are linked to education and healthy living, students are encouraged to continue their education and positive life choices. The South Australian Government is proud to continue our support of this important community program in 2019-20," Ms Chapman said.
