- Published:
- Sunday 4 October 2015
Minister for Education James Merlino has congratulated Glen Waverley student Tim Disken, who will be the Team Vic Flag Bearer at the 2015 Pacific School Games.
Born with cerebral palsy, Tim – who is in Year 12 at Glenallen School – is the current world record holder in the open age group for the 50 metres breaststroke SB8 class.
Earlier today, Mr Merlino presented Tim with the Victorian Flag in front of hundreds of Team Vic members and sporting greats, including basketball’s Lindsay Gaze, at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville.
Mr Merlino wished the athletes good luck in the eight sports Victorian students will be competing in: baseball, basketball, diving, football/soccer, softball, swimming, touch football and table tennis.
The Andrews Labor Government has set ambitious Education State targets, to give every child every chance in school, work and life.
By 2025, the Government wants to achieve a 20 per cent increase in the proportion of kids doing physical activity five times a week.
The Pacific School Games will be held in Adelaide from 21-29 November 2015, with more than 4,500 student athletes from all Australian states and territories and 12 Asia Pacific nations competing at the event.
The 415-strong Victorian team includes eighteen para athletes competing in swimming and four para athletes participating in the table tennis competition.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“I wish every student success at the 2015 Pacific School Games in Adelaide and I hope this event will inspire them to continue to pursue their sporting dreams.”
“To help our kids lead healthy, happy lives, we’ve set targets that encourage them to be physically active. It will make students more alert in class, and ensure they’re able to tackle whatever opportunities life throws their way.”
“We’re investing almost $4 billion to make Victoria the Education State, so every community has access to great local schools and every child gets the chance to succeed.”
Quotes attributable to School Sport Victoria President Rob Carrol
“A healthy, active lifestyle enjoyed by all young people will lead to a healthy, happy, purposefully engaged next generation – that’s why we’re encouraging kids to get active at school.”