PCYC Aurukun enjoyed an inspiring skills session with basketball legend Nate Jawai. Photo: Supplied.
A visit from a legendary basketball star who got his start on the Cape has left Aurukun kids determined to shoot for the stars.
Former professional basketball player Nate Jawai bounced into PCYC Aurukun late last month to share his skills on and off the court with community youth.
Jawai served as an inspiration for the young people as the first Indigenous Australian to play in the NBA.
“It was very exciting to have Nate visit, and the anticipation was high before he landed at Aurukun Airport,” club manager Sergeant Steve Armstrong-Ravula said.
“It was almost unbelievable for the youth to see photos and videos of Nate playing with and against NBA stars.
“With Nate being raised in Bamaga, it is extremely important for youth in remote Cape York to see and hear from successful people who have come from similar environments as them.”
He said Jawai also engaged in a leadership yarn with the young people, tying sport and social topics together with real-life examples.
“The leadership yarns were effective and beneficial because the youth were very engaged and keen to hear about Nate’s life so far,” he said.
“They had many questions for Nate, and he was more than happy to share his experiences abroad.
“He spoke about both the ups and downs of his NBA and basketball career.”
Sergeant Armstrong-Ravula said since meeting Jawai, the young people had grown in confidence, and there was an increased air of determination and possibility at the club.
“I have observed quite a few youth grow immensely with belief on and off the basketball court since meeting Nate and listening to what he had to share,” he said.
“One young person in particular is now taking rebounds and hitting three-point shots, when before, they were much more conservative in games.
“The confidence has definitely increased, knowing that if Nate can make it to the top level, then perhaps they can too.”
Nate Jawai left his mark on Aurukun on and off the court after inspiring remote Cape York kids to dream big. Photo: Supplied.
