Netball competition played in respectful spirit

St Joseph's College students celebrate their win.

SECONDARY schools from across Geelong came together at Kardinia Park on Friday to participate in the Respect Cup.

The Respect Cup is a netball competition for Year 9 students, but one that is different to the norm. Its main aim is not on the competition, but to get students to take the lead in promoting healthy relationships, gender equity and respect.

Before the cup, students engage in a series of workshops exploring issues of consent, gender equity, the role of the bystander and the impacts of behaviours on enabling and preventing violence against women.

Surveys taken by the students before and after the program suggest they learnt a significant amount about these topics.

The cup itself saw 107 students from nine different schools attend.

St Joseph’s College were named the overall winner, with minor prizes going to Colac Secondary College in the netball, Western Heights College in the workshops and Clonard College for respectful behaviour.

The event is a collaboration between various agencies, including Barwon Health, Barwon Community Legal Service, Department of Education, Barwon Child Youth Family, Geelong Cats and Women’s Health, and Wellbeing Barwon South West.

The Cup began last year and has continued due to the positive feedback received from students.