ECU celebrates sporting spirit and community connection
Friday, 22 August 2025
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ECU student-athletes shone both nationally and locally, celebrating the Spirit of the Games Award at the 2025 Indigenous Nationals (top) and the fifth anniversary of the Western Invitational (bottom).
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is celebrating two milestones that highlight the strength of its sporting community – national recognition at the 2025 Indigenous Nationals and the fifth anniversary of ECU’s own Western Invitational.
National recognition at Indigenous Nationals
ECU has proudly claimed the Spirit of the Games Award at the 2025 Indigenous Nationals, marking the first time the university has received this prestigious honour.
The award, voted on by team managers and UniSport staff, recognises a team that consistently embodies the values of the Indigenous Nationals – community, culture, respect, and sportsmanship. ECU stood out among 30 universities and more than 500 participants, reflecting the pride and passion of its students throughout the week of competition.
UniSport Australia CEO Mark Sinderberry praised the event and the spirit shown by ECU:
“The Indigenous Nationals is a celebration of strength, community, and culture. To see more than 500 students and officials come together in this way is powerful. It reminds us that sport is more than competition; it gives us connection, pride, and opportunity.”
Hosted by the University of Western Australia, the Indigenous Nationals brought together student-athletes from across the country in a celebration of culture and sporting excellence.
ECU’s victory in the Spirit category highlights the university’s commitment to fostering inclusion, unity, and pride through sport.
ECU Western Invitational marks fifth anniversary
What began as a challenge in 2020 has now become a highlight on the university sporting calendar, with ECU proudly hosting the fifth annual Western Invitational Sports Networking Event.
The tournament was born in response to COVID-19 disruptions, when ECU sought to provide opportunities for students to compete despite national restrictions. Partnering with WA universities, emergency service organisations, and sporting clubs, ECU launched the Western Invitational as a four-day competition.
Five years on, the event has grown into a five-day showcase featuring more than 80 teams across seven sports, cementing its place as a premier celebration of sport, culture, and opportunity.
ECU Sport Manager Belinda Somers reflected on the significance of the event:
“This event is more than just competition. It’s a place to connect – where sport meets future pathways. We’re proud to see it grow into something that offers both the thrill of the game and a platform for career networking.”
This year’s event also celebrated ECU’s refreshed sporting identity, with teams proudly wearing new uniforms designed by Shauna Narrier, a proud Noongar Yamatji artist whose design captures the spirit of ECU’s community.
The Invitational also recognised the contributions of captains, coaches, and volunteers who bring the event to life, with special thanks extended to longstanding contributors including Kyla, co-creator of the Invitational, and Jarrod, who oversaw this year’s basketball competition.
A shared spirit of growth and connection
Whether earning national recognition or building local traditions, ECU’s recent sporting achievements reflect a community committed to inclusion, unity, and opportunity.
From the pride and passion shown at the Indigenous Nationals to the growth and success of the Western Invitational, ECU continues to build its reputation as a leader in sport, culture, and connection.