Luke Anderson Participates in the Olympic Game Changer Program

On Monday, November 25, Luke began the second round of the Olympic Game Changer program at the Institute of Sport, a four-day experience. Out of over 600 entries from across Australia, Luke was one of just 25 students selected to participate. As part of his application, Luke created a video outlining his vision for positive change in sports, focusing on addressing the issue of Indigenous teenage boys dropping out of sports and succumbing to societal pressures, such as alcohol consumption.

During the program, Luke had the honour of delivering the Acknowledgement of Country at the opening ceremony held at Parliament House.

Throughout the four days, Luke gained invaluable insights and knowledge, being mentored by several Olympians involved in the program.

Luke also had the pleasure of meeting Keesja Gofers, an Australian Olympic water polo player, who had this to say about him:

"I had the pleasure of meeting Luke at the Olympic Change Makers Forum 2024 and was immediately impressed by his thoughtful and considerate nature. He has a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome and included, creating an environment of mutual respect and support.

Despite his initial anxiety, Luke showed incredible bravery in opening up and sharing his story, which left a lasting impression on everyone. While I have not seen Luke compete in any sport, I am confident in his potential as a sportsperson because of his mental resilience and ability to face challenges head-on. His empathy and understanding would make him an outstanding teammate, qualities that are invaluable in any team setting. As a team athlete myself, I know how essential these characteristics are for success, and I believe Luke would thrive given the right support.

I really look forward to seeing what the future has in store for Luke."

Pasifika Youth Cup

On Friday, 29th November, Luke had the incredible opportunity to represent the Koori rugby team at the Pasifika Youth Cup in Sydney, competing over three action-packed days. He played with determination against strong teams, including Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, the Barbarians, Cook Islands, Queensland, and Fiji. Luke's exceptional performance earned him the title of Player of the Finals.

The event was not only a showcase of athletic skill but also a rich cultural experience. Luke led the Koori team in a powerful war cry during the final game, embodying pride and unity. The team placed second in their pool and finished fourth overall—an impressive achievement!