A new free weekly youth activity is launching in Cooktown this term, offering young people a chance to get active, connect with friends, and experience a traditional Aboriginal game that’s as fast as it is fun.
The Youth Drop-In Edor sessions will begin on Friday 10 October (Week 1, Term 4) and run every Friday afternoon from 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM at the Cooktown Events Centre. Open to all youth aged 10 to 17 years, the sessions are free and require no registration — participants can simply show up and join in.
Edor, also known as Idor, Ida, or the running game, originates from the Aurukun Aboriginal community in North Queensland. It’s a chasing and tagging team game where players aim to reach their goal line without being tagged by the opposition. The action shifts rapidly, as each time a tag is made, the direction of the game changes — keeping everyone on their toes!
“Edor is a fantastic way to bring young people together in a positive and inclusive environment,” said a Council spokesperson. “It’s fast, fun, and rooted in Aboriginal culture — a great combination for building community connections and confidence.”
Each session begins with a bit of free-time mixed sports before moving into the main Edor activity. The drop-in format means there’s no pressure or ongoing commitment — participants can come and go as they please.
About the Game
In a traditional game of Edor:
- Players form two teams and set goal lines at each end of the playing area.
- One player is chosen as the Edor and given five seconds before they sprint towards their goal line.
- If a defender tags the Edor, they become the new Edor, and the direction of play reverses.
- The game continues until a player reaches their goal — earning a point for their team.
Some variations of Edor have been played on beaches in the Torres Strait using trees as goals, and others involve passing a ball or team-tag formats.
The program will follow safe play principles — ensuring all tags are made with minimal force and that the game is played with fairness and respect.
The Youth Drop-In Edor program forms part of Cook Shire Council’s broader commitment to youth wellbeing, recreation, and the celebration of culture through active participation.
Event Details:
📅 Fridays, starting 10 October (Week 1, Term 4)
🕒 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
📍 Cooktown Events Centre
👧🧒 Ages 10–17
💲 Free | No registration required
🔁 Drop-in format — come and go as you please