The Olympic Games promote national identity through sports achievements. Being part of an olympic team gives athletes a huge sense of pride and patriotism to their country.

Australia has been known as the “underdog” on many platforms of sport representation and spectators and participants alike thrive on the idea of proving other teams or countries they are just as good if not better.

Australians like to use the home ground advantage as a way of showcasing their efforts on an international stage.

National identity has also been celebrated with the 1999 Rugby Union World Cup final against France, Socceroos making the World Cup Finals in 2006 and Australia II winning the America’s Cup in 1983. The last of these events saw the introduction of the boxing kangaroo which is symbolic of Australia’s fighting spirit and determination to win.

Regional identity is showcased between state rivalry. Often this involves Sydney and Melbourne (Rugby League vs AFL) or NSW and QLD (State of Origin). Legends of the game and their association with their local club. Sir Donald Bradman and the regional town of Bowral has a dedicated museum. Coastal towns like Newcastle and Nambucca Heads are development grounds for young talent.

State of Origin promotes local clubs with their team lists before kick off where each player states their name and junior club giving regional towns a sense of pride and young fans an association with an elite athlete.