Tom Gagai gets a kick away during the AFL Cape York and AFL Cairns tri-series event. Photo: Supplied.
Footballers from Cape York and Torres Strait have shone on the paddock during a unique tri-series competition hosted by AFL Cape York and AFL Cairns.
The event was held in Cairns from 30 August until 1 September, and welcomed two under-16 teams from Papua New Guinea to join AFL Cape York Crusader teams in a weekend of friendly competition and cultural exchange.
The four-team competition for boys and girls had games being played at the Buchan Street Reserve and on the hallowed turf of Cazalys Stadium.
In addition to the on-field excitement, AFL Cape York House general manager Rick Hanlon said the event had been about using sport as a connection to foster deeper relationships, cultural understanding and respect between the young players and their communities.
“This wasn’t just about playing football,” he said.
“It was about engaging our closest international neighbour, Papua New Guinea, to come together in the spirit of friendship and culture.
“Football was the vehicle, but the highlight was the way it brought us together to celebrate our diverse backgrounds.”
The main attraction of the tournament was a cultural feast at AFL Cape York House for Boys, with more than 200 people converging on the venue to experience a spread of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean foods.
“We had well over 200 people in attendance – players, officials, and some guests,” Mr Hanlon said.
“We shared in song, we shared dance, and food – it was just fantastic.”
