“I believe a number of the students here in Ceduna that attended the Sport for Life workshops are looking for some direction and motivation in life and I believe we (role models) help stimulate a positive step in this area.”  Indigenous Sporting Role Model, Paul

It is estimated that 90 - 95% of all human behaviours are learned through modelling.  This kind of learning is largely unconscious and strongly influenced by the quality of the relationship that exists between the role model and the learner; the higher the regard, the more likley the young person is to follow by example.

Sport for Life uses high achieving sporting role models to deliver its program of life skills and health education workshops within term-time to young people living in remote and disadvantaged communities.  A structured program delivery of sporting activities is used to reinforce messages around healthy living, to teach life skills on goal-setting and leadership and to build self confidence.  

The Sport for Life program in Mount Isa, for young people aged 14-18 years, also incorporates one-to-one youth mentoring. Volunteer Community mentors who have an active interest in sport are matched with a young person to participate in regular mentoring sessions centered around sporting activities. The Mentors work with the young mentees to help them develop skills around goal setting, communication, self-esteem, handling adversity, leadership and developing healthy relationships.  

The mentors also help their mentees identify further training and appropriate education pathways.

Sport is an activity every young person, girl or boy, can get involved in and is also a great leveller.  Taking part in a sporting activity provides a great opportunity to set everything else that's going on in life to one side, relax and have fun.  For many of the young people taking part, it's an opportunity to discover something you feel really good about and with regards to team sports, something you can be part of and belong to.

An important outcome is the sense of belonging and connection back into the community that often follows delivery of a Sport for Life program.