The Adelaide Thunderbirds will celebrate the club’s home First Nations Round this Saturday night, in collaboration with Principal Partner, Adelaide University.
Adelaide University will be the official sponsor of the round - a reflection of their passion and commitment to a future with greater possibilities for Aboriginal peoples.
In addition, Adelaide University has confirmed its support to the 2025 Yakanarna side, Netball SA’s First Nations state team, ahead of the national First Nations Tournament later this year.
Yakanarna athletes will be presented with their 2025 dress at quarter time of the Thunderbirds match on 5 July.
Designed by the club’s apparel partner, Valour Sport, the dress proudly features elements of the artwork created by Gabriel Stengle – proud Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri, and Wirangu woman and Assistant Coach of Yakanarna.
The Thunderbirds will wear their First Nations Dress for the July 5 match for the second time this year as they host the Melbourne Mavericks at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Adelaide Thunderbirds athletes Kayla Graham, Matilda Garrett, and Georgie Horjus, with Yakanarna athletes Aaleya Turner and Tashani Wyatt.Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei said the University’s support of Yakanarna was a demonstration of the two brands’ shared commitment to strengthening opportunities for First Nations netballers.
“The decision to support Yakanarna is a credit to Adelaide University, and we are delighted to be working with a partner that really cares about this important space and wants to provide opportunities.
“Supporting Yakanarna is above and beyond our partnership agreement, but the Adelaide University have demonstrated they genuinely want to make a difference.
“Our Yakanarna side made South Australia and the athletes’ communities proud at the inaugural First Nations Tournament in 2024, securing a silver medal in their debut appearance.
“We can’t wait to see them back on court later this year, sporting a new dress design that incorporates elements of the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ First Nations dress.
“This program is really important to netball in South Australia and it’s fantastic to be able to work with a partner like the Adelaide University to make it a reality for South Australia’s First Nations netballers."
Adelaide University Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous, Professor Steve Larkin, said that this partnership is all about creating community and developing potential.
“Sport and education bring people together across our community and create connections that have a lasting impact,” Prof Larkin said.
“We are immensely proud to sponsor the Thunderbirds’ First Nations round and our Yakanarna athletes, to celebrate Indigenous culture and talent, and be part of building a brighter future with greater possibilities for Aboriginal peoples in South Australia and beyond.”
