SPORT STARS LEAD BY EXAMPLE
July 23, 2009
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the region’s sporting stars are providing an outstanding example of persistence, courage and leadership.
Speaking at the 49th annual Gippstar Awards in Morwell, Mr Chester congratulated all of the monthly winners and said governments at all levels should invest more in junior sport to help develop better citizens in the future.
“At a time when we read a lot about violent assaults and a lack of respect in the community, the Gippstar Awards are a cause for celebration and an occasion to recognise the great achievements of so many young Gippslanders,” Mr Chester told the gathering.
“I believe that encouraging participation in junior sport helps to form healthy habits for life. Apart from the obvious health benefits, sport teaches our young people to respect their team-mates and opponents and the achievements that can be made through hard work and dedication. They learn how to win with grace and lose with dignity and the benefits of working as a team with a common goal. These are all skills that will help our young people to become better citizens in the future.”
Mr Chester also paid tribute to the parents of the successful young athletes along with coaches and sporting administrators.
“It is a real team effort to help our young Gippslanders achieve success at the elite level and much of the credit must go to parents and volunteers who provide the backbone of our sporting clubs,” Mr Chester said.
“I believe that governments at all levels can do more to invest in organised sport and alcohol-free youth activities to provide young people with better alternatives than roaming the streets looking for trouble.
“Organised sport has become less affordable to many families and governments should do more to encourage people to become involved in team sports. From personal experience, sporting clubs often provide a healthy outlet for young people to become part of a team and gain a sense of belonging in our community.”
The annual Gippstar winners for 2008-09 were Sale swimmer Jeremy Meyer in the junior category and Latrobe Valley orienteering and cross country runner Kathryn Ewels in the senior category.