Australia’s leading sport stars involved in the 2011 Captains' Forum have highlighted how leadership can be a key factor in making sport inclusive for all Australians, particularly Indigenous Australians.

Former Australian rugby union team captain John Eales, the driving force behind the Captains’ Forum, highlighted to event participants that, how sports leaders act is just as important as what they say.

"You need to lead by example both on and off the field," Eales said.

"People need to know that you have a good idea of what you are talking about and that the path you are leading them down is one they want to follow."

The 2011 forum focused on initiatives to support safe, fair and inclusive sporting environments, with a priority to make sure everyone can access sport, especially Indigenous children and youth.

Melbourne Vixens co-captain Bianca Chatfield saw the forum as a great opportunity to make positive changes to her sport ‘The forum is a great opportunity to network and to form some great relationships,’ Chatfield said.

Bianca is passionate about seeing more kids involved in sport, especially in her sport of netball.
"I think it is really important that netball is open to everyone. Sport provides such a great vehicle for life skills and develops some great friendships in addition to the physical activity component," Chatfield said.

The forum is a partnership between the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the Australian Government and national sporting organisations recognising the importance of sporting leaders coming together to discuss issues facing Australian sport.

Minster for Sport Mark Arbib opened the day and said it was fantastic to see so many sporting captains and leaders participating.

"All the leaders at the forum have experienced different journeys to success. It was exciting to join them for this opportunity which allowed participants to share their stories and learn from others,’ Senator Arbib said.

"The significance of sport for young Indigenous Australians is extremely important. It is fantastic that all the sports represented at the forum recognise this."

The Captains’ Forum initiative builds on the Australian Government’s additional investment of $44 million over four years to boost participation in sport.

A video of sporting leaders in action at the forum in Sydney earlier this month is now available online at www.youtube.com/ausport