Whether it be in league, hockey, tennis or even squash there have been great contributions made by the either Aborigines or Torres Strait Islanders. And it's not only their successes that make their contributions to sport significant, but also how they were able to make those successes under the conditions and opportunities that were available to them. For every Aborigine who makes it to the top, there are thousands who could have made it but never had the opportunity. Many Aborigines have had to compete on uneven playing fields without a sporting chance, having to overcome the hurdles of racism and poverty.

The first mention of an Aboriginal sportsman was in 1835 when Shinney played cricket in Hobart Town. Upon his death, he was beheaded and his head was sent to an Irish museum for preservation. However, recent agitation by Tasmanian Aborigines resulted in his remains being returned and being cremated ceremonially in 1992.

Sport flourished when there was relative freedom from legislative c

Racism has been a major issue in sport also. There have been many debates whether racial sledging is acceptable on the field. Many argue that it is a part of the game, whilst other sportsmen have stated that it is morally wrong and disturbing. Anthony Mundine became well-known for his outcry at racial sledging, often getting the media involved in on-field disputes. However other Aboriginal footballers such as David Peachey and Andrew Walker have made statements saying that its part of the game.

ontrol, however so did genocide. Aborigines began to need protection from the murderous impulses from the settlers. Although today Aborigines don't need to worry about genocide, many still are subject to course racism and on-field sledging.

Along with Cathy Freeman, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley has become one of Australia's most successful sportswomen and Aboriginal sports person. Starting off with no shoes, equipment or training, Evonne found it very difficult to get into tennis. However after much persistence, she was finally noticed and went on with much success. Her records include seventeen state titles, four Australian singles championships, the French Open, the Italian Open, the South African Open and two -times Wimbledon singles titles.

Tony Mundine is also a famous boxer. He is the only Australian titleholder in four weight divisions. Like his son, he came to Sydney in search of a rugby league career, but boxing it was to be. Soon after, he became the Australian middleweight champion, Australian Heavyweight Titleholder, Commonwealth middleweight champion, Australian light heavyweight champion, Commonwealth light heavyweight titleholder, winner of the Australasian light heavyweight title and the Australian cruiserweight champion. Of his ninety-six fights, Tony won eighty, drew one and lost fifteen. After he retired, he opened his own gym and now trains young Aboriginal men, including his son Anthony.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1622
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)