Australian Open Diving Championships – a new generation aimed at London Olympics

Queenslanders are tipped to figure prominently at the Australian Open Diving Championships starting today, with a new generation aiming at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Sport, Chris Bombolas, today opened the Diving Queensland 2009 Australian Open Diving Championships on behalf of the Minister for Sport, Judy Spence, at the Sleeman Sports Complex at Chandler, Brisbane.

Ms Spence said: “Many youngsters were inspired by the performance of Queenslanders and Australians at last year’s Olympics.”

“Some of the young champions from the Beijing Olympics are here at Chandler this weekend – providing us with a great opportunity to see first hand the best in the world in action.

“Australian sport fans will remember the final day of the Beijing Olympic Games, with China set to make a clean sweep in diving gold.

“We were all wonderfully surprised by 20-year-old Queenslander Matthew Mitcham, who performed the highest scoring dive in Olympic history to capture the gold medal in the 10 metre platform event.

“16-year-old Australians Melissa Wu and Bree Cole also claimed silver in the women's synchronised 10m platform.”

Ms Spence said more than 300 Queenslanders are now involved in the sport of diving with interest growing.

“The Bligh Government has made a significant investment to develop the sport of diving in this State,” Ms Spence said.

“And events like the Australian Open Diving Championships here at Chandler are putting Queensland on the map with great facilities and a great climate to host top international events.”

Ms Spence said the Queensland Government was committed to its Q2 vision of making Queenslanders the healthiest people in Australia.

"We pledged a record $78 Million for community sport and recreation facilities and initiatives right across Queensland last financial year – more than any other state or territory government in Australia.

“In fact Queensland spent $40 Million more than the next closest state – New South Wales.

“As a Government, we are very keen to encourage increasing numbers of Queenslanders to get involved in sport at all levels – not just the elite level.

“We’re already leading the charge with the ‘Find Your 30’ campaign, encouraging Queenslanders to find 30 minutes of activity each day.”

Ms Spence also highlighted the Queensland Government’s True Sport Lives Here campaign which focuses on developing positive behaviours in junior sport.

“This campaign focuses on encouraging participants, spectators and officials to adopt the values of true sportsmanship, so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of sport,” Ms Spence said.

Media Contact: Minister’s Office 3239 6172