Bush children from remote areas gathered in Mount Isa last week for the annual Sports For Bush Kids event. More than 70 families participated in a week filled with sporting activities aimed at fostering teamwork, collaboration, and friendships among peers. This year’s gathering, hosted by the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association, coincides with the final week of the school calendar and has expanded significantly over its 26-year history.
Approximately 150 students from the geographically isolated Mount Isa School of the Air, whose catchment extends from Richmond to the Northern Territory, and from Windorah to Karumba, took part in various team sports and swimming lessons. The event provides an essential opportunity for remote students to engage in activities they usually lack access to.
Children participated in a range of sports including league tag, soccer, cricket, basketball, netball, yoga, dance, and tennis. The clinics received valuable support from boarding school coaches who traveled to Mount Isa to guide the participants. These coaches played a crucial role in ensuring that the children received quality instruction and encouragement.
In addition to the older students, toddlers and kindergarten-aged children were also included in the festivities. The Remote Area Families Service organized playgroups throughout the week, creating a supportive environment for young children and their mothers from remote communities to connect and engage with one another.
The event not only emphasizes the importance of physical activity but also serves as a vital social platform for families living in isolation. By coming together in Mount Isa, these families foster a sense of community and shared experience that is often difficult to achieve in remote settings.
As this year’s Sports For Bush Kids concluded, participants returned home with cherished memories, strengthened friendships, and new skills acquired through an enriching week of sports and camaraderie. The ongoing success of this event highlights the commitment of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association to provide opportunities for children in rural and remote areas, ensuring that they too can enjoy the benefits of teamwork and sportsmanship.
