By RUSSELL BENNETT
A HOST of the best and brightest local sporting talents have taken out top awards at the 2012 Victorian School Sports Awards, presented at the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
In a ceremony hosted by three-time Olympic Games swimmer and sports commentator Nicole Livingstone, four local students were honoured on the big stage.
Berwick Primary School’s Mitchell Riordan was presented with an Australian Rules football award in recognition of his talents.
Ivor Cook from Courtenay Gardens Primary School in Cranbourne North took out a Rugby League award, Philip Petreski from Lyndale Secondary College was recognised for his ability on the soccer pitch, and Emily Clow from John Monash Science School won a softball award.
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) secretary Richard Bolt delivered the welcome for the ceremony while the key address was given by Victorian Education Minister Martin Dixon.
The awards were presented by a veritable who’s who of sporting champions including: triple Brisbane Lions AFL Premiership player Chris Johnson, 2012 International Netball Player of the Year Madison Browne, dual paralympian swimmer and former world record holder Hanna McDougall, and 2012 London Olympic water polo bronze medallist Rowena Webster.
Guests at the ceremony were entertained by the Taiko Drummers from Huntingdale Primary School, the aerobics team from Syndal South Primary School, and the DEECD Performing Arts unit band.
The awards are the highest sporting accolades on offer in the Victorian government school system, and Mr Dixon said the government was right behind them.
“The Coalition Government is proud to acknowledge the achievements of Victoria’s best young school sports stars through the Victorian School Sports Awards,” he said.
“This year 45 outstanding students, and seven parents, teachers and volunteers received Victorian School Sports Awards. “Playing sport has so many benefits – keeping students healthy, developing leadership and teamwork skills, and teaching discipline.”
