Thursday 16 March 2017

Yesterday Minister for Education, James Merlino joined a host of sporting stars, including basketball legend Lindsay Gaze, to recognise outstanding Victorian students, teachers, volunteers and schools.

In total 51 junior athletes were awarded Sporting Blue medals at today’s awards ceremony at the MCG, as well as trophy presentations to two schools, three teachers, two volunteers and two outstanding student athletes.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing congratulates Jack Hrehoresen from Maffra Primary School and Dallas Loughridge from Loch Primary School for their Basketball awards and Myah Healey from Toorloo Arm Primary School for her award in Netball.

Now in their 23rd year, the Victorian School Sports Awards are the highest sporting accolade presented by the Victorian government school system.

The Andrews Labor Government is putting people first by building the Education State, including setting ambitious targets to boost the number of students staying active.

This includes achieving a 20 per cent increase in the proportion of kids doing physical activity five times a week by 2025
.
The $16 million School Pride and Sports Fund is building great new sporting facilities for students across the state whilst the $148.3 million Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund is making sure that all students can participate in these activities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, James Merlino:

“I congratulate all Victorian School Sports Awards winners – these talented young athletes in our government schools should all be so proud of their achievements.”

“It isn’t just our sporting stars who should be staying active. We have set ambitious targets to boost the number of students taking part in physical activity; it is all part of our plan to make students happier, healthier and more resilient.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“I congratulate Jack from Maffra Primary School, Myah from Toorloo Arm Primary School and Dallas from Loch Primary School for taking home these awards from the Victorian School Sports Awards.”

“This is our next generation of sporting stars. They are an extraordinarily talented group of athletes playing Basketball and Netball respectively and I wish them all the best.”

Quotes attributable to School Sport Victoria President, Sarah Burns:

“This annual event rewards excellence across all categories of major school sports.”

“The awards are given to students, teachers, parents and volunteers who have excelled or made an outstanding contribution to school sport.”