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12 September 2005 Federal Sports Minister lauds sporting feats of AIS Indigenous athletesThe Federal Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp today launched a new book celebrating the extraordinary contribution of Indigenous athletes to Australia’s sporting successes. In a special ceremony in Canberra at the AIS today, Senator Kemp joined current and former Indigenous athletes to mark the launch of a new Australian Sports Commission (ASC) publication, Indigenous Athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport. Senator Kemp paid tribute to the outstanding contribution that Indigenous athletes and coaches have made to Australian sport. “We commend the great sporting feats and achievements of Indigenous athletes and coaches that have represented Australia,” Senator Kemp said. “AIS Indigenous athletes have a rich and proud history of competing at the national level and representing Australia at the Olympics and world championships. “Who will ever forget the achievements of Cathy Freeman at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games as she won her historic victory in the 400 metre final? “Many Indigenous AIS athletes have reached the top of their sports such as Australia’s first Indigenous Olympic gold medallist former Hockeyroo Nova Peris, test cricketer Jason Gillespie and AFL 2004 premiership player for Port Adelaide Shaun Burgoyne. “These Indigenous athletes are great sporting icons and inspiring role models for the next generation who follow in their footsteps. “I understand the Sports Commission is currently exploring the introduction of a talent identification and development scheme for a range of sports which will encourage the search for the next generation of Indigenous sporting stars.” Among those present at the launch were current AIS scholarship holders, Patrick Johnson (athletics), Bianca Franklin and Kirby Bentley (netball), Patrick Mills and Nathan Jawai (basketball) and former AIS athlete and current AFL footballer Lance Franklin. They were joined by the first Indigenous athletes to receive an AIS scholarship, Marcia Ella (netball, 1983-85) and Sammy Mills (basketball, 1983) the Uncle of Patrick. Indigenous Athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport chronicles the sacrifices and successes of prominent Indigenous athletes and coaches including Kyle Vander-Kuyp, Stacey Porter, Patrick Johnson and James Swan. It provides an insight into what it takes for Indigenous Australians to succeed at the highest level in sport, adjusting to the rigours of competition, the pressures to maintain success and pursuing their dreams against the odds. Since opening its doors in 1981 the AIS has supported the training and development of up to 100 Indigenous athletes. Senator Kemp said the Australian Government through the Sports Commission remained committed to encouraging more Indigenous Australians to get involved in organised sport and to identifying up and coming young talent. “The Active After-school Communities program delivered by the Sports Commission across Australia also provides Indigenous children with access to free, structured physical activity programs to help improve their motor skills and to get physically active. “Sport serves as a vehicle for social cohesion and well being in Indigenous communities.” Indigenous Athletes at the AIS is available from the Australian Sports Commission or web site: www.ausport.gov.au/publications/catalogue/index.asp. Contacts: Adrian Chippindale, 02 6277 7350 or 0407 208 743 |
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