Spence thanks True Sport Leaders for promoting fair play

The Queensland Government’s True Sport Lives Here program is promoting the message of fair play both on and off the field and is a major investment in the future of Queensland children, Sport Minister Judy Spence said today.

Addressing True Sport Leaders and Ambassadors at a function at Parliament House today, Ms Spence thanked the groups involved for supporting the program which encourages positive behaviours in junior sports, based on the principles of integrity, respect, fun, responsibility and excellence.

“The True Sport Lives Here program is changing the culture at the grass roots level, by inspiring kids to be good sports, ensuring they stay involved in the games they love,” Ms Spence said.

“Anyone who is involved in sport and recreation, regardless of their age or abilities, deserves to play in a fun, safe and fair environment that is free of harassment or discrimination.

“Sport plays such an important role in our community and by encouraging children to play sport, we are making a major investment in their future, and setting them on the path to an active and healthy life.

“While most players, coaches, umpires and spectators are doing the right thing, there have still been inappropriate instances at junior sporting games in recent times, including violence, racism, verbal abuse towards referees and players, win-at-all-costs mentalities from coaches and overbearing pressure from parents.

“This kind of behaviour on the sports field can easily overflow into other areas of a child’s life, so it is essential we look at all ways to prevent such negative attitudes.

“Our 29 True Sport Ambassadors, who are themselves sporting starts, are to be congratulated for inspiring their young followers to adopt the True Sport mentality, and discouraging bad behaviour both on and off the field.

“The Queensland Government has committed $200,000 this financial year to the program, as we believe that every child deserves the chance to play in a fair and fun environment.”

Ms Spence said 29 state sporting organisations have signed on as True Sport Leaders, with the capacity to reach over 400,000 junior participants.

“The success of the program is largely due to the involvement of these organisations spreading the True Sport message through their regional networks to the local club level,” Ms Spence said.

“Since the True Sport Sponsorship Program was released in November 2006, nine sports organisations have received sponsorship totalling $23,900 - to raise awareness of True Sport within their clubs and communities, and to assist them in implementing True Sport initiatives.

“Toowoomba Softball is a great example of the success of these initiatives. The local organisation is bringing fun back to competition by introducing behaviour codes, applauding good play, and allowing equal time on the diamond.

“Basketball Queensland has implemented another positive initiative – providing a different uniform to less experienced officials, similar to 'L' plates, and this encourages better tolerance of officials. Queensland Water Polo will also take up this initiative this year.”

“I encourage all sporting organisations to sign on to the program and we will work with them to develop game plans and strategies to ensure young players get off to a good start.

“The Department of Sport and Recreation has developed a resource kit which includes Codes of Ethics, fact sheets, and recorded ground announcements featuring elite athletes talking about the values of True Sport, to make it easy for the clubs to implement the True Sport principles.”

Ms Spence said this program complements both the State government’s $8.4 Million Eat Well Be Active campaign and the national Play by the Rules program.

For more information about the True Sport Lives Here program, visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.


Media Contact: Minister’s Office 3239 6172