Tuesday, 15 March, 2016 CELEBRATING OUR JUNIOR SPORTS STARS An emerging AFL star who completed VCE while playing finals footy and a young synchronised swimmer on her way to Rio were among those recognised at this year’s Victorian School Sports Awards. Minister for Education James Merlino today joined a host of sporting stars, including basketball legend Lindsay Gaze, to recognise outstanding Victorian students, teachers, volunteers and schools. This year sees the introduction of the Lindsay Gaze Award, in honour of the seven-time Olympian and Basketball Hall of Fame legend. Lindsay Gaze was on hand to give out the inaugural award to Cooper Goodman from Warrandyte High School who demonstrated the most outstanding dedication to both school and community sport. A total of 47 junior athletes were recognised at this year’s awards ceremony with Sporting Blue medals at the MCG, as well as trophy presentations to three schools, two teachers, two volunteers and two outstanding student athletes. Now in their 22nd year, the Victorian School Sports Awards are the highest sporting accolade presented by the Victorian government school system. This year: • Maribyrnong College synchronised swimmer Jemma Singleton won the Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award, recognising her success juggling VCE studies while working hard to qualify for the Rio Olympics. • Maribyrnong College student and North Melbourne Football Club player Kayne Turner was recognised for balancing his VCE studies with playing AFL, including making two finals appearances. The Labor Government is investing billions of dollars to make Victoria the Education State – with almost $4 billion over four years representing the single biggest boost to education funding in Victoria’s history. This includes meeting the key target of increasing the number of students taking part in physical activity five times a week by 20 per cent over the next decade. The Labor Government has also introduced the $150 million Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund in 2015 so that every student has the opportunity for success. Other Australian sporting heroes who joined the students at the awards: Commonwealth Games runner Alex Rowe; Olympic Taekwondo hopeful Carmen Marton; Olympic water polo player Rowena Webster; Paralympic javelin medallist Madeleine Hogan; retired swimming star Nicole Livingstone; and former AFL player Patrick Karnezis. Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “The Victorian School Sports Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise some of the most talented young athletes in our government schools.” “These young sports stars have achieved so much already and they all have a bright future ahead of them.” Media Contact: David McNamara 0437 167 221| [email protected] .