Fifteen students nominated for Pierre Coubertin sporstmanship awards

25/9/97

Fifteen of Western Australia's outstanding high school students, who have shown superior skills both on and off the sporting field, have been recognised at this year's Olympic breakfast and Pierre de Coubertin Awards.

The students, from both Government and non-Government schools, are among 40 nominated by their schools for the awards this year.

The Pierre de Coubertin Awards are named after the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin. Introduced in 1992, the awards recognise secondary students in years 10, 11 and 12 who seek to enhance their personal potential through sport. The awards emphasise participation and sportsmanship, not just elite performance.

Education Minster Colin Barnett, who presented awards to the students this morning, said good sportsmanship both on and off the field was important to personal development.

"To be a 'good sport' not only means achieving high levels of sporting prowess," Mr Barnett said.

"It also means helping others to participate, being involved in coaching others, umpiring and being an all-round good sportsman on and off the field.

"All the nominees also submitted a literary or artistic piece of work which demonstrated an appreciation of Olympism. The work is on display alongside the Olympic Journey Exhibition at the Galleria shopping centre until October 4."

Special presentations were received by:

+ Brendan Dunlop All Saints' College;

+ Angie Horton Donnybrook District High School;

+ Nicholas Christie Guildford Grammar School;

+ Jordana Burges Helena College Senior School;

+ Paul Birchenall Kolbe Catholic College;

+ Kym Howe Kelmscott Senior High School;

+ Kristin Cavill Lynwood Senior High School;

+ Tammy Ryan Methodist Ladies' College;

+ Ciaran O'Kane Mount Lawley Senior High School;

+ Julia Wignall Ocean Reef Senior High School;

+ Anita Boom Rockingham Senior High School;

+ Novella Avezzu Sacred Heart College;

+ Katrina Lewis Scarborough Senior High School;

+ Tal Karp Perth College (absent); and -

+ Karen Chandler Mackillop Catholic College (absent).

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699