Commonwealth Games Australia and Fair Game link to strengthen community connections through sport and culture

The Australian Commonwealth Games Team and its alumni are set to embrace First Nations culture and country through a new community partnership with Fair Game.

Aimed at deepening our engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through sport and meaningful connection, the collaboration will see athletes participate in and deliver immersive experiences alongside communities across the West Australian Pilbara this October.

The partnership is built on shared values of equity, respect and the transformative power of sport and its positive impact on health and wellbeing. It encourages cultural exchange and understanding and will see an extensive donation of sports equipment that supports physical activity and wellbeing in regional and remote areas.

It will see alumni experience the sporting traditions, stories and daily lives of First Nations communities first hand, while removing barriers to participation in sport, particularly for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The undertaking also aligns with the recently launched Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) of Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) and was developed in close consultation with Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group (RAPAG).

The Innovate RAP builds on the achievements of CGA’s Reflect RAP and aims to embed First Nations people, practices and understanding in all that the organisation does.

Advising that the partnership reflects a significant step in the organisation’s evolving commitment to reconciliation, CGA Chief Executive, Craig Phillips stated "this is not just about outreach; it’s about building enduring relationships, walking alongside communities, and using sport as a bridge for connection and understanding.

“Sport has the unique ability to bring people together and create shared experiences that transcend barriers. This program represents a genuine opportunity for our alumni to listen, learn and grow through authentic, community-led engagement.

“We’re committed to ensuring this partnership delivers real value to the communities we’re privileged to work with. It’s about respect, reciprocity and recognising that we have as much to learn as we have to offer.

“We see this as the beginning of a long-term relationship that will benefit everyone involved, particularly the young people who represent the future of sport in these communities.”

Fair Game Chief Executive Nicki Bardwell welcomed the partnership, noting the opportunities the partnership will provide, adding "we’re proud to collaborate with Commonwealth Games Australia on this shared mission.

“By combining cultural exchange with increased access to sport, we can create positive and lasting change in communities that need it most. This partnership represents exactly the kind of collaborative approach that drives meaningful outcomes.

“Fair Game has been delivering health education and fitness programs in remote and regional communities since 2011, and we know that sustainable change happens when you combine respect for local culture with practical support.

“Having CGA’s alumni participate in genuine cultural exchange while also providing sports equipment and opportunities creates a powerful foundation for ongoing connection.

“This partnership helps level that playing field while celebrating the unique strengths and traditions these communities bring to Australian sport.”

The announcement of the partnership with Fair Game helps CGA mark the beginning of NAIDOC Week 2025.