Victoria’s future sporting stars have been rewarded for their excellence at the Victorian School Sports Awards.
Twins who have represented Victoria at national swimming competitions, a hockey player recognised for his potential to develop into a future Kookaburra, and a young diver who competed in her first international competition were among those acknowledged at this year’s awards.
Minister for Education James Merlino today joined a host of sporting stars, including basketball legend Lindsay Gaze, to recognise outstanding Victorian students, teachers, volunteers and schools.
The Lindsay Gaze Award – in honour of the seven-time Olympian and Basketball Hall of Fame legend, Lindsay Gaze – was presented to Linley Ooi from Melbourne Girls’ College, who demonstrated outstanding dedication to both school and community sport.
In total 51 junior athletes were awarded Sporting Blue medals at today’s awards ceremony at the MCG, as well as trophy presentations to two schools, three teachers, two volunteers and two outstanding student athletes.
Now in their 23rd year, the Victorian School Sports Awards are the highest sporting accolade presented by the Victorian government school system.
The Andrews Labor Government is putting people first by building the Education State, including setting ambitious targets to boost the number of students staying active. This includes achieving a 20 per cent increase in the proportion of students doing physical activity five times a week by 2025.
The $16 million School Pride and Sports Fund is building first-rate new sporting facilities for students across the state whilst the $148.3 million Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund is making sure that all students can participate in these activities.
A complete list of Victorian School Sports Awards Winners is available here:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“I congratulate all Victorian School Sports Awards winners - these talented young athletes in our government schools should all be very proud of their achievements.”
“It isn’t just our next generation of sporting stars who should be staying active. We have set ambitious targets to boost the number of students taking part in physical activity; it is all part of our plan to make students happier, healthier and more resilient.”
Quotes attributable to School Sport Victoria President, Sarah Burns
“This annual event rewards excellence across all categories of major school sports.”
“The awards are given to students, teachers, parents and volunteers who have excelled or made an outstanding contribution to school sport.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020