AIS athlete ambassadors appointed into leadership positions

The Australian Institute of Sport's ‘Share a Yarn Program’, a powerful program which connects First Nations athletes around Australia, is celebrating its latest win after two athlete ambassadors were appointed into leadership positions.

Three-time Olympic hockey player Mariah Williams and Australian Wheelchair Basketballer Clarence ‘CJ’ McCarthy-Grogan have come full circle after being promoted from mentees to mentors. 

The pair first joined the AIS Share a Yarn Program in 2021 and 2023 and were matched with mentors who helped them navigate life as Indigenous athletes and strengthen their cultural ties. 

Williams shared “It allowed me to build a support group where I could celebrate and lean on our brothers and sisters when needed.

“All the mentors were fantastic and have each walked a different life. It was inspiring to know how proud and deadly they are of our culture.”

McCarthy-Grogan agreed that the program was a real eyeopener and added “It’s really special to me because we Indigenous people need more positive role models so that we can make a greater impact in our communities.”

Fast forward 12 months and both Williams and McCarthy-Grogan Grogan have been promoted to mentors for the 2025 program alongside seven others. 

Williams enthused “I'm really excited to step into more of a mentor role and help advocate for the next generation.

“It took me a few years to have a voice in this space and be proud of who I am so that’s something I’m keen to pass on while helping others through their own challenges.”

McCarthy-Grogan considered it a huge honour to be selected and added “I look forward to being able to help guide them in their journey and help make a positive impact on their careers as athletes, and more importantly in their personal lives as people.”

The 2025 program will see athletes connect with their mentors online, take part in bimonthly group activities and attend a cultural connection camp at the AIS in Canberra.

This initiative aligns with the Win Well commitment to enhance meaningful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, histories, communities, and cultures. 

It is underpinned by  Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy., opens in a new tab Connection to Country Action Plan.  https://www.ausport.gov.au/winwell

More information about the program can be found here: Share a Yarn | Australian Institute of Sport https://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/share-a-yarn

Image. Three-time Olympic hockey player Mariah Williams has taken on a new leadership role. Credit: AIS