The change, proposed by AOC President John Coates when speaking alongside Sydney 2000 400 metres gold medallist and indigenous athlete Cathy Freeman this morning, follows a similar move by the Government earlier this year.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott challenged national leaders to recognise Australia's "indigenous heritage" during a visit to Arnhem Land in September.

The new passage in the AOC Constitution vows to "recognise the heritage, culture and contribution of our nation's first people, and to give practical support to indigenous reconciliation through sport".

The line "I respect Australia and its indigenous heritage" has also been inserted into the Australian Olympic team values, with both changes subject to rubber-stamping at next year's AOC Annual General Meeting.

"We are accepting the Prime Minister's challenge" said Coates, also one of four vice-presidents of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Mr Abbott hit a nerve.

"This year as we prepare for the centenary of ANZAC [Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in the First World War] we read about the contribution of the Indigenous Australians in both world wars.

"We marvel at their prowess on the sporting field yet many live in poverty, struggle with poor health, discrimination, drug abuse and an appallingly high suicide rate.

"More work needs to be done and major sporting organisations, including the Australian Olympic Committee, can lead the way.

"There is no better way to bring people together than through sport."

Cathy Freeman carried both the Australian and Aboriginal flags during her lap of honour after winning the Olympic gold medal in the 400 metres at Sydney 2000 ©Getty Images



The move strongly conforms with the current approach of the IOC to use sport to bring about wider improvement in society, as underlined by their collaboration with the United Nations this year.

Under the agreement, the Cathy Freeman Foundation and other relevant charitable organisations which work with indigenous Australians the right to use the Olympic ring logo in promotional material.

"I am proud that the Australian Olympic Committee recognises Australian indigenous heritage and this is reflected in a change to their constitution and team values," said Freeman, whose Olympic victory was lauded as a seminal moment unifying the entire population.

"The one thing that moved me most at the 2000 Olympics when I saw the joy on everyone's face was the feeling that sport is an arena where we can all come together and put our differences aside.

"I am very appreciative of the tangible support and commitment that the AOC have offered towards the Cathy Freeman Foundation.

"It helps indigenous children experience their full potential in school and beyond.

"It is my belief that education and sport builds confidence and getting the Olympic Movement involved in inspiring indigenous children is a very positive step."

The Cathy Freeman Foundation, which helps gives opportunities to Australia's indigenous population, will be able to use the Olympic rings in its promotional material
©Cathy Freeman Foundation






"This is another step on the journey of recognition," Abbott wrote in a letter to Coates praising the AOC proposal.

"Australia's indigenous athletes have a rich history of competing and winning at the Olympic Games.

"From our first indigenous Olympians, Frank Roberts, Michael Ah Matt and Adrian Blair, to Cathy Freeman's legendary sprint at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, indigenous athletes have counted among our best and carried the hopes and pride of all Australians.

"The Australian Government is promoting a national conversation about constitutional recognition because it's something that will complete our constitution rather than change it.

"My hope is that this will be another unifying moment in the history of our country."

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