Published Tuesday, 26 August, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence: Last chance to nominate Qld women for sports Rising Star Awards
Sport Minister Judy Spence today reminded Queenslanders that time is running out to nominate Queensland’s outstanding female athletes for the Department of Sport and Recreation Rising Star Awards.
Ms Spence said: “The Department of Sport and Recreation Rising Star Awards celebrate the talent and sporting achievements of women in Queensland.
“I encourage all Queenslanders to nominate upcoming female athletes who they believe display the potential to succeed at an international level in their chosen sport.
“Fifteen successful athletes will receive scholarships of $1,500 each, to help them with travel and training costs so that they can reach even greater heights and international success in their sporting careers.
“This funding will ensure our Queensland athletes continue to excel, building on our excellent results at the Beijing Olympics.
“We can all be very proud that Queensland women topped the medal count within the Australian Olympic Team, winning 21 out of the team’s total 46 medals.
This includes winning:
• 7 out of 14 gold medals (50%)
• 6 out of 15 silver medals (40%)
• 8 out of 17 bronze medals (47%)
“Considering Queensland women made up only 12% of the Australian Team this is an incredible achievement, demonstrating the talent we have in this state.”
Ms Spence said previous winners of the Rising Star and the Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Awards have gone on to excel at their sport.
Last year’s winners include:
• Rising Star Winner Bridget Anderson, who went on to be named in the Australian Team for the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Sweden, after winning the Women’s 20 Elite at the Australian 3-day Orienteering Championships.
• Rising Star Winner Carla Hunter, who has been selected in the Queensland U21 hockey team that finished second at the National Championships. She has also been named as goalkeeper in the Queensland Scorchers squad and the Queensland U21 squad for 2009.
• 2007 Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Libby Trickett, who has topped off a year of successful swimming competitions by winning an Olympic Gold Medal in the Women’s 4x100m Medley, a Silver Medal in the Women’s 100m Freestyle, and a Bronze Medal in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay in Beijing.
“The Queensland Government is a proud supporter of women in sport, committing $67,500 funding over three years to Womensport Queensland for the Rising Star Awards.
“I wish all nominees the best of luck, both at the awards and in the sporting arena,” Ms Spence said.
This year’s winners will be announced at the Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Gala Dinner on November 14.
Nominations must be received before August 31. Application forms are available at www.womensportqld.com.au.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6203
Ms Spence said: “The Department of Sport and Recreation Rising Star Awards celebrate the talent and sporting achievements of women in Queensland.
“I encourage all Queenslanders to nominate upcoming female athletes who they believe display the potential to succeed at an international level in their chosen sport.
“Fifteen successful athletes will receive scholarships of $1,500 each, to help them with travel and training costs so that they can reach even greater heights and international success in their sporting careers.
“This funding will ensure our Queensland athletes continue to excel, building on our excellent results at the Beijing Olympics.
“We can all be very proud that Queensland women topped the medal count within the Australian Olympic Team, winning 21 out of the team’s total 46 medals.
This includes winning:
• 7 out of 14 gold medals (50%)
• 6 out of 15 silver medals (40%)
• 8 out of 17 bronze medals (47%)
“Considering Queensland women made up only 12% of the Australian Team this is an incredible achievement, demonstrating the talent we have in this state.”
Ms Spence said previous winners of the Rising Star and the Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Awards have gone on to excel at their sport.
Last year’s winners include:
• Rising Star Winner Bridget Anderson, who went on to be named in the Australian Team for the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Sweden, after winning the Women’s 20 Elite at the Australian 3-day Orienteering Championships.
• Rising Star Winner Carla Hunter, who has been selected in the Queensland U21 hockey team that finished second at the National Championships. She has also been named as goalkeeper in the Queensland Scorchers squad and the Queensland U21 squad for 2009.
• 2007 Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Libby Trickett, who has topped off a year of successful swimming competitions by winning an Olympic Gold Medal in the Women’s 4x100m Medley, a Silver Medal in the Women’s 100m Freestyle, and a Bronze Medal in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay in Beijing.
“The Queensland Government is a proud supporter of women in sport, committing $67,500 funding over three years to Womensport Queensland for the Rising Star Awards.
“I wish all nominees the best of luck, both at the awards and in the sporting arena,” Ms Spence said.
This year’s winners will be announced at the Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Gala Dinner on November 14.
Nominations must be received before August 31. Application forms are available at www.womensportqld.com.au.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6203