Olympics key to obesity battle

By Peter Sweeney
OLYMPIANS can help in the fight against obesity in Australia, believes Chris Connelly, the school captain at Pakenham Secondary College.
And his words and thoughts on Olympians and the lifestyle of Australians have won Connelly a national award.
His literacy piece on how the 2012 Australian Olympic team can inspire the nation won Connelly, 18, a Pierre de Coubertin award. The award – named after the founder of the modern Olympics – is presented to Year 12 students who actively participate in the physical education program at their school – and who demonstrate attributes consistent with the fundamental aims of the Olympic movement.
Chelsea English and Daniel Mason, both 17 and also Year 12 students at Pakenham Secondary College, were awarded participation certificates after being chosen as two leaders who demonstrated the Olympic values and attributes of sportsmanship, pride, responsibility and respect.
Past college students Brad Dicker and Matt Rogers won de Coubertin awards in 2009 and last year respectively.
Connelly was presented with his award from the Victorian Olympic Council and the Department of Education in a ceremony at the MCG, attended by Olympians.
“Not only have our Olympians been successes at their sports, but inspirational,” Connelly wrote in his assignment.
“Olympians can have an entire nation weighing on their shoulders while the rest of the world looks on.
“The courage and effort it must take just to compete, let alone be successful, is unimaginable. Our Olympic team in London in 2012 will inspire us all to strive and reach our goals.
“The dedication and passion Australian Olympians commit to their events is phenomenal and shows us that hard work can be rewarded remarkably.
“In this modern world, obesity is a growing problem. Recently, Australia was identified as one of the most obese nations in the world.
“It’s obvious that weight is becoming a problem for a lot of us.
“Hopefully, the 2012 Australian Olympic team will inspire the nation to see that sport, and not just competitive sport, can lead to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
“Athleticism demonstrated by our team may have an impact on the lifestyles of modern Australia and show us why sport is celebrated so much.”