Gunbalanya takes on ninja warrior course challenge

There was a lot of anticipation and excitement surrounding the ninja warrior event in Gunbalanya and it certainly didn’t disappoint.  The big day finally arrived on Thursday, 31 August and it kicked off at 1pm with kids, youth and community gathering excitedly for it to start. 
We welcomed everyone, explained rules and promoted the day as a healthy fun family event free from AOD (alcohol and other drugs). 
After a ninja warmup video on the big screen to get everyone in the mood, it started. 

The setup was bigger than ben hur with inflatable water slip and slide, 35 metre inflatable obstacle course, homemade section, playground section, water squirters, swinging gym balls and of course lots of inflatable battle sticks - all this while the big screen pumped out Indigenous hip hop project community clips promoting healthy messages. Hoops 4 Health set up on the basketball court for the kids who were not on the obstacle course and the school set up a market day. 

Around 75 school kids got through the course in different age groups, and  then the adults had a crack. The kids had nearly as much fun squirting, bopping with inflatables and swinging balls at the adults, as they did competing themselves. Participants enjoyed a healthy afternoon tea with sandwiches and fruit platters.

After everyone got through the course successfully, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd ninja warriors received medals and first also got a sports ball to promote a healthy active lifestyle that’s fun without the need for AOD. Kids were also rewarded with a sports ball if they could answer some AOD questions.

After some free time, everyone went home tired but happy with stories to tell.   A fantastic collaboration and thank you to the School, Team Health, Hoops for Health, NT Government and West Arnhem Regional Council staff in Gunbalanya and Jabiru.