Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad today congratulated Rae Heenan of Charlton College for being awarded the Outstanding Community Contribution at the Victorian School Sports Awards. Rae was one among 44 primary and secondary students, two teachers and two community volunteers who received awards for outstanding achievements.
The 2009 Victorian Sports Awards Presentation Ceremony was held on Friday 12 March 2010 and Education Minister, Ms Bronwyn Pike was joined by an all-star cast at the awards ceremony, including Essendon Football Club goal-kicking great, Matthew Lloyd, Melbourne Vixens netball captain, Sharelle McMahon, Beijing Olympic badminton player, Erin Carroll and Beijing Olympic middle distance runner, Jeff Riseley.
Rae’s achievements include:
- Devoting countless hours to the development of the badminton program
- Assisted with coaching, selection and overseeing the program for New Zealand badminton tournaments
- Accompanied various teams to the school sports finals
- Organised coaching clinics facilitated by top Australian players
“These awards recognise the highest level of sporting excellence and highlight the exceptional talent and dedication thriving in our Government schools,” Ms Broad said.
“It is inspiring to see so many promising young sports people here today who have already achieved so much in their chosen sport.”
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government was committed to ensuring young people received the support and guidance they need to pursue active, healthy lives.
“With the rise in childhood obesity it is vital that children are encouraged to exercise from an early age,” she said.
“Sport and physical education in our schools is one way the Brumby Labor Government is helping students establish the lifelong habit of enjoying regular physical activity.
“But we would not be here today without the enormous support of sport’s unsung heroes, including parents, teachers and community members, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help students achieve their sporting best,” Ms Broad said.