Atnas Maeko crowned as the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Community Hero

Nestled amid the largely untouched Groote Eyelandt, athletics is breathing life into the spirits of hundreds of children, thanks to the tireless efforts of coach  Atnas Maeko.

Named today as the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Community Hero, Mozambique-born Maeko has dedicated his life to giving back to communities through the power of sport – a force that turned his life around as a teenager.  From traumatic beginnings as an orphaned child in his home country, to high school teachers taking a chance on him as an uneducated teen in Canada to landing his first contract as a professional athlete; Maeko’s life could be described as a rags-to-riches fairytale, but it’s one that now inspires communities across Groote Eyelandt.

Through his work with the Bush Fit Mob, Maeko utilises sport to support the communities of Umbakumba, Angurugu and Milyakburra. Their goal is to help increase school attendance through delivering organised sport activities on school grounds and pave pathways for youth to develop their potential in sport or other avenues through various activities.

Today, the Bush Fit Mob has improved the lives of over 200 primary and secondary students on the 1500-person island, with plans to see communities flourish outside of school.

“The reason I do what I do is because when I was young in Vancouver, I had people that took their time to support me and I know I wouldn’t have had the education or opportunities I had if it weren’t for them,” Maeko explains.

“I was different to everybody in my environment in Canada but for someone to take a young kid, show them the way and importantly, the positive side of life, and support me through the ups and downs was lifechanging for me and it’s something I want to carry on.

"I love to see kids fulfil their potential through sport but for me it’s more than sport. You learn a lot of values through sport that you don’t get taught in the classroom.”

Inspired by his work with troubled youth in Canada, Maeko and his wife made the move to Australia in 2011 where they spent six years in Gapuwiyak Community in East Arnhemland, gaining extensive experience working in youth and sports related industries throughout remote Northern Territory.

The couple then moved to Groote Eyelandt six years ago and have set up a life for themselves that has allowed them to make a difference and see profound change in Indigenous communities.

“School attendance is typically very low here, but the program has attracted a lot of kids and they have to go to school if they want to be a part of it. We get kids experiencing and understanding athletics and sport and now those that come are really starting to love being there now,” he said.

Through his athletics programs, Maeko has seen kids achieve for the first time in their lives; many who have never previously had goals or aspirations. This includes four athletes competing at the Indigenous Marathon Foundation’s Running and Walking Championships in Mackay this year, and for others, finishing something many take for granted – their high school education.

“Running is an individual sport, you have to motivate yourself. There is no team behind you and you have to do the work yourself. It’s hard but they learn that if they want to succeed at something, they have to commit,” Maeko said.

“Seeing kids finish school at year 12 too. It may not be a high achievement to most but it’s a high achievement for so many families here. I’m the first-generation in my family to go to university, so I know first-hand how hard it can be to achieve something when you don’t have an example around you.

“You can’t dream what you can’t see.”

One of his greatest accomplishments is seeing kids on the island experience the physical and social benefits of athletics.

“One thing I love to do is see kids get out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves and achieve their goals,” Maeko said.

“Challenging oneself in sport helps young people gain the confidence to challenge themselves in other areas of their life such as the classroom. Living in remote communities can have its challenges and one of them is young people not knowing the opportunities that are out there, so giving them the opportunities to travel and experience things with athletics has been very rewarding.”

For being crowned the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Community Hero, Maeko will receive a $1000 prize pack from Chemist Warehouse with products that will help better the Bush Fit Mob’s program offering.

“I’m honestly speechless. I can’t believe I’ve been awarded something like this. I want to acknowledge the Yolngu and Anindiliyakwa People who I have worked with over the past 12 years and who have embraced me and my vision for helping young people achieve their potential.

“It means a lot to be recognised for something I’m truly passionate about.”

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 27/6/2023