STUDENTS GEAR UP FOR AN ACTION-PACKED YEAR

More than 50,000 students in Queensland schools will participate in interschool sport trials in 2007, adding to Queensland’s reputation as a sporting state.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said interschool and statewide competitions helped foster team spirit, as well as a healthier lifestyle.

“Students will participate in interschool trials across 22 sports, with an estimated 11,000 students representing their regions,” Mr Welford said.

“School sport provides a tremendous opportunity for students to compete at a high standard and further develop their sporting skills and fitness, not to mention being a launching pad for our emerging sport stars.”

Mr Welford said Queensland school teams were renowned for their sporting prowess, with nearly 60 representative teams competing in national or interstate events in the past year.

“Queensland school sport teams have an outstanding reputation in national competitions, bringing home medals across 80% of sports,” he said.

“Students across the state excel in sports such as volleyball, golf, touch football, tennis and hockey, taking gold medals on several occasions in national competitions.

”It’s also wonderful to see students sharing experiences and making lifelong friends with other students across the state.

"Schools play a crucial role in encouraging students to discover the benefits of lifelong participation in sport and active recreation.”

Mr Welford said schools would also offer programs for those who felt more comfortable in a coaching or official position, rather than competing.

“Students can become an official through the Queensland Secondary School Sport Student Officials Project, giving them the chance to be actively involved and gain the benefits of being part of a team,” Mr Welford said.

“Teachers will also benefit with more coaching and training seminars to update their skills under the State Government’s Get Active Queensland Accreditation Program.

“Many teachers dedicate hundred of hours each year and an enormous amount of spare time to coaching, serving on committees, and organising school sports for the enjoyment and benefit of young people, so it’s vital that we also help them achieve their goals.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985