Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2009
Volume
26
Journal
Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)
Issue
16
First Page
2376
Last Page
2396
URL with Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09523360903457031
Abstract
This article will examine the impact of Aboriginal sporting participation and movement around the globe. The experiences, influences and inspiration that Aboriginal sporting men and women absorbed while travelling internationally have played a prominent role in changing the perceptions and understanding of Aboriginal people to the wider populace. The later stages of the nineteenth and early twentieth century were a period in which Aboriginal people were erroneously categorized as a dying race, belonging to the Stone Age and uneducable. However the influence of sport and travel ensured that Aboriginal cricketers, footballers, athletes, boxers and horsemen and -women played a part in challenging these erroneous perceptions. As a consequence sporting success played a vital role in inspiring other Aboriginal people to challenge the stigma and stereotypes that they were expected to endure and carry. The sporting arena was not just a venue for sporting participation but, I will argue, was responsible for generating and exposing Aboriginal people to a range of far-reaching influences, not least political ideology.
