Chris Davis
23 October 2014: Lyneham High School has taken out the Djijah Whyman Memorial Cup Inaugural Buroinjin Challenge held at the University of Canberra ovals today.
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UC University of Canberra Capitals CEO Joe Roff in action during the Buroinjin Challenge. Photo Michelle McAulay |
Sixteen teams, including the University of Canberra Capitals and former Wallabies and Brumbies greats took part in the challenge playing the traditional Aboriginal game of 'Buroinjin', a form of handball in a round robin competition.
Abby Bishop and Hanna Zavecz from the UC Capitals joined rugby legends like Joe Roff, also UC Capitals CEO, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham and former player Andrew Walker in the challenge, but it was Lyneham High that came out on top beating the Brumbies in the final.
Organised by Melba Copland College in partnership with the University of Canberra, the cup aims to raise awareness of adolescent suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Event organiser and University of Canberra PhD candidate John Williams, whose research is focusing on physical education for Indigenous high school students, said "it's important to discuss mental illness and youth suicide, especially in Indigenous communities".
"The whole purpose of this challenge is to draw attention to the rising rates of youth suicide within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," he said.
"Bringing together some of Canberra's best sporting teams and the community to play the game of Buroinjin is just one way we can raise awareness of teen mental illness."
Buroinjin is a ball game similar to European handball. The game originated in Queensland and is now played in a number of Canberra schools.
The cup is named after Djijah Whyman, an 18-year-old Lyneham man of Yorta Yorta/Yarrabah heritage who took his own life.
All team registration fees and donations went to the White Wreath Association, a not-for-profit organisation that supports people who have been affected by suicide or mental illness.
For help or support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.
