Published Thursday, 04 September, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Catherine Freeman named Queensland Indigenous Sport Ambassador
Sport Minister Judy Spence today announced that Olympic gold medallist Catherine Freeman has been appointed as a Queensland Indigenous Sport Ambassador.
The Minister made the announcement at the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School at Acacia Ridge.
Ms Spence said: “I can think of no better role model than Catherine and I know she will do a great job inspiring and motivating Indigenous communities to be more physically active and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
“We are thrilled that one of Australia’s greatest track athletes will be working with us to promote the benefits of leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
“With life expectancy rates well below those of non Indigenous communities, the Bligh Government is determined to encourage Indigenous Queenslanders to eat healthy foods, play sport or just be more active.
“Catherine will visit communities and address groups to promote the many benefits physical activity can have, as well as recount her own personal experiences.
“One of Catherine’s roles will be to go to Palm Island to help promote little athletics, local sporting associations, PCYC activities and the local school sport and recreation program.
“Aside from the obvious health benefits of sport, it can also boost self esteem, promote teamwork, and break down social barriers.
“And sport and recreation can divert children away from destructive activities such alcohol and drug abuse and truancy,” Ms Spence said.
Catherine said she was excited about her new role.
"I am honoured to be given this opportunity to promote sport and the benefits that being physically active can bring to all communities in Queensland," Catherine said.
"Growing up in Mackay, sport has been an important part of my life; through the friendships made and the goals achieved it has shown me that anything is possible.
"I am hoping that I can lead by example and inspire people to lead more active and healthy lives as my role will be focused on positive lifestyle changes. In some cases this could be lifesaving." Catherine said.
Catherine will also be promoting the Eat Well Be Active Indigenous campaign, which was also launched today by Minister Spence.
“A pack of simple but effective easy to understand materials will distributed to Indigenous Queenslanders through community health workers, sport and recreation officers, elders, community representatives and local and state government service providers,” Ms Spence said.
“This includes stickers, magnets and posters of Queensland’s greatest Indigenous community workers and sporting heroes – Steve Renouf, Sam Thaiday and Matt Bowen who we hope will be inspirational role models.
“There is also a booklet with information on good nutrition, physical activity, Type 2 diabetes, healthy pregnancy and substance abuse.
“The Bligh Government is working to reduce the burden of disease in these communities and improve the quality of life of our Indigenous Queenslanders,” Ms Spence said.
Media Contact: 3239 6218
The Minister made the announcement at the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School at Acacia Ridge.
Ms Spence said: “I can think of no better role model than Catherine and I know she will do a great job inspiring and motivating Indigenous communities to be more physically active and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
“We are thrilled that one of Australia’s greatest track athletes will be working with us to promote the benefits of leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
“With life expectancy rates well below those of non Indigenous communities, the Bligh Government is determined to encourage Indigenous Queenslanders to eat healthy foods, play sport or just be more active.
“Catherine will visit communities and address groups to promote the many benefits physical activity can have, as well as recount her own personal experiences.
“One of Catherine’s roles will be to go to Palm Island to help promote little athletics, local sporting associations, PCYC activities and the local school sport and recreation program.
“Aside from the obvious health benefits of sport, it can also boost self esteem, promote teamwork, and break down social barriers.
“And sport and recreation can divert children away from destructive activities such alcohol and drug abuse and truancy,” Ms Spence said.
Catherine said she was excited about her new role.
"I am honoured to be given this opportunity to promote sport and the benefits that being physically active can bring to all communities in Queensland," Catherine said.
"Growing up in Mackay, sport has been an important part of my life; through the friendships made and the goals achieved it has shown me that anything is possible.
"I am hoping that I can lead by example and inspire people to lead more active and healthy lives as my role will be focused on positive lifestyle changes. In some cases this could be lifesaving." Catherine said.
Catherine will also be promoting the Eat Well Be Active Indigenous campaign, which was also launched today by Minister Spence.
“A pack of simple but effective easy to understand materials will distributed to Indigenous Queenslanders through community health workers, sport and recreation officers, elders, community representatives and local and state government service providers,” Ms Spence said.
“This includes stickers, magnets and posters of Queensland’s greatest Indigenous community workers and sporting heroes – Steve Renouf, Sam Thaiday and Matt Bowen who we hope will be inspirational role models.
“There is also a booklet with information on good nutrition, physical activity, Type 2 diabetes, healthy pregnancy and substance abuse.
“The Bligh Government is working to reduce the burden of disease in these communities and improve the quality of life of our Indigenous Queenslanders,” Ms Spence said.
Media Contact: 3239 6218