Little Athletics NSW is proud to launch the 2023 Valour State Relays apparel, in conjunction with Murama Healing Space and proud Kaytej/Alyawarre/Amatjere man, Wayne Davis.

Over recent months LANSW has been working closely with Murama Healing Space and Artist Wayne Davis to develop commemorative apparel highlighting and sharing the story of the Wann-gal people and their land. The land in which LANSW members and families are lucky enough to call home for all State events and where the State office is situated.

The piece of art in which the apparel has derived from is called Healthy Country today, Healthy people Tomorrow and outlines how Wangal people have utilised the area for ceremonies, meetings hunting and setting up semi-permanent camping sites for thousands of years. Through the artwork, traditional painting techniques have been used to show how meeting places, water ways, nature and people are all connected through the land.

Centred on the shirt and singlet is a large circle representing Sydney Olympic Park and how for millennia, Indigenous people in the area have used it as a cultural meeting place to come together and share in each other’s stories. Not dissimilar to the way in which the Valour State Relays Championship brings together the LANSW Community to compete, share stories and enjoy in each other’s company.

“It’s a cultural map in essence, about this particular area (Sydney Olympic Park/Wann-gal land)… It represents people coming together.”

“It’s telling a story… an old story, but it’s also representing the people of today.” – Wayne Davis, Indigenous Artist

“This place (Sydney Olympic Park/Wann-gal land) was a place where people came together, and for us at Little Athletics, it’s a place where our community comes together.” – Chris Giles, LANSW CEO

This year again, LANSW members and supporters are afforded the opportunity to come together, play and compete while simultaneously being given the chance to celebrate the culture and history of Wangal land through donning of this year’s commemorative apparel.

“Thank you on behalf of all the kids at Little Athletics NSW, and for your generosity in allowing us to share your story and share the story that is depicted in this painting and its connection to the work we do at Little Athletics,” Chris added..

 “I am really looking forward to sharing this story at the Valour State Relays Championship.”

Ash Wells, Head of Design at Valour was delighted with bringing this art to life through the 2023 commemorative garment.

“The design process for the Little Athletics range was a passionate journey, blending dedication and creativity to craft garments that inspire young athletes. This range instils in us a deep sense of pride, encapsulating the collective spirit of Valour and Little Athletics – a spirit of courage and determination, reflected in vibrant colours and exceptional quality, all empowering future champions.”

Wayne finished off by adding “It doesn’t matter who you are, we’re all part of this environment… so this is kind of that story. Saying that we should all be working together.”

To secure your own piece of history, click HERE