04 April 2023
Winter Olympian and AIS Share a Yarn ambassador Bree Walker has added some special apparel to her winter kit as she continues to compete in monobob and bobsleigh across the globe.
Walker now dons First Nations inspired gloves which were designed by Share a Yarn mentor and Olympic boxer Brad Hore.
Walker said she was eager to wear something that represented all Australians around the world who were pursuing their sporting passion.
"As part of the AIS Share a Yarn program I have learnt so much about Indigenous culture, how important inclusion is in sport and heard from many Indigenous athletes about their journeys.
"I loved hearing from Brad Hore and how as a boxer he sacrificed a lot to live away from home for his Olympic dream.
"I could really relate to that and asked Brad and the legends at XTM Performance if we could create gloves that connects all traveling Australians to our home no matter where we are in the world," Walker said.
Hore discovered his love for art during the pandemic and to date has designed and created countless pieces.
"The story on the gloves represents the coming and going, the spirit and connection to home and country," he said.
"The kangaroo footprints lead us home, the icon of Australia, it’s our countries strength and resilience when we work in a mob.
"Each meeting space is one on country and one shared with another country, but it is the representation of a home away from home, surrounded by our connection to those we call 'Aussies'.
"The lines show no matter where we are in the world, a tie connects us to where we have been and where we are going, it’s the dream and the journey that connects us all."
Walker is one of 10 athlete ambassadors undertaking the AIS Share a Yarn program which connects athletes with First Nations communities and teaches them about differing cultures, lands, histories and people within them.