Crowdfunding campaign supports students competing in Indigenous Unigames
The University of Sydney's latest crowdfunding campaign will raise funds to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students compete in the National Indigenous Tertiary Education Student Games.
Past students representing the University of Sydney at the Indigenous Unigames.
Funds raised will support a team of 14 players from across faculties to represent the University at the Games. All donations will go directly towards costs such as individual player registration, coaching and hire fees in the lead up to the Games, uniforms, flights, accommodation and transport expenses.
Now in its 21st year, the Games provide a unique opportunity to bring together Indigenous students from around the country to participate and compete at a national level in mixed sports – including basketball, netball, volleyball and touch football as well as a traditional Indigenous game. They also offer a valuable opportunity to network and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Samuel Brazel, a fourth year agricultural economics student from the Anaiwan nation, will travel to Brisbane in late June, as part of the University of Sydney team. He will represent the University in basketball, netball, volleyball and touch football. He says he registered to take part in the games in order to broaden his social and professional network.
“This is my fourth games, and I am really looking forward to meeting other students from around Australia to share our culture and stories."
This year we have our strongest team to date. I believe we have the attitude, mindset and team to bring home some medals this year.
He also thanked potential donors: “We are so grateful to anyone who can help us reach our goal. We’re aiming to raise $6,000 from this campaign, and we want anyone considering donating to be sure we’ll put the money to good use.”
Launched late last year, the University’s crowdfunding platform has previously conducted successful campaigns for the NSW Freedom Ride Scholarship Fund, offering practical support for talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across NSW, and the Animals in Need Fund initiative, run through the Faculty of Veterinary Science to provide veterinary care for vulnerable animals.
University of Sydney Director of Advancement Rosalind Ogilvie acknowledged the potential of the platform.
We are thrilled by the power of crowdfunding to support important activities in practical and direct ways.
She added: “The support for the NSW Freedom Ride Scholarship and the Animals in Need Fund was staggering. Now, we intend for this team of students to embark on the Games with some of the financial burden lifted, and knowing they have the support of the university community and beyond.”