Dragons pass idea of uni to Koori kids

By Sam Hall
Updated November 6 2012 - 3:06am, first published January 20 2012 - 12:23am
St George Illawarra Dragon Bronx Goodwin helps celebrate the University of Wollongong's Koori Kids' Fun Day with a group of kids, teaching them to realise that there are other pathways forward besides the sports field. Photo: MELANIE RUSSELL
St George Illawarra Dragon Bronx Goodwin helps celebrate the University of Wollongong's Koori Kids' Fun Day with a group of kids, teaching them to realise that there are other pathways forward besides the sports field. Photo: MELANIE RUSSELL

With their favourite St George Illawarra players as teachers, dozens of indigenous school children learned the benefits of tertiary education yesterday.The University of Wollongong's annual Koori Kids' Fun Day, hosted by the Faculty of Commerce and promoted by the Dragons, encourages students into adult pathways other than the sporting arena.

PHOTOS: Kids pick up footy skills

Dean of Commerce Professor Trevor Spedding said the third annual event, which involved nearly 70 children aged 5 to 12, was about cutting down barriers."When the university and indigenous communities get together like this, the whole of the Illawarra reaps the benefit," he said. "It's a great way to introduce children to the Faculty of Commerce and the university in a way they can connect to the university from a young age."Event ambassador and Dragons' five-eighth Jamie Soward expected the fun day to instil a positive image for participants upon returning to their family and friends.Soward, Daniel Vidot and Bronx Goodwin were among a host of Dragons players involved in various activities."It's about giving an eye-opener to the young indigenous kids and showing them that there's a different pathway other than sport," Soward said."There's also other avenues, especially in education. It's a good chance for them to come and see the uni, [because] there's some great facilities here."

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