25 January 2006

Australian Olympians will address ethics, fair play and the Olympic Movement during day three of the Australian Scholar-Athlete Games at The University of Queensland tonight (January 25) at 7.30pm.

A panel of Olympians including Michael Wendon (Olympic champion and member of the Australian Olympic Committee), Dr Cliff Mallett (Olympic Track and Field Coach), Kim Cooper (Softball, QOC Chair Education Commission) and Robert Newbery (Diving) will discuss whether they believe the ideals of the Olympic movement are contributing to world peace.

Students from 12 countries will have the opportunity to discuss key issues with our Australian Olympians and reflect on the goal of the Olympic Movement to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised without discrimination of any kind.

Scholar-athletes will consider and discuss how or whether the Olympic Movement manifests ethics and fair play, not only within the Olympic Games but across sport in general.

The discussions are part of a week long program for Scholar-Athlete Games participants, which will include keynote addresses on globalisation; peace and cultural diversity; and the environment.

The Australian Scholar Athlete Games (January 23-29) brings together almost 100 students from across the Asia Pacific region to participate in a program of sport, culture and education.

The Games are a first for the southern hemisphere and aim to promote understanding, acceptance and friendship among the youth of the world and cultivate Asia Pacific’s future world leaders.

The program is being delivered in partnership between the Queensland Government, The University of Queensland and the Institute for International Sport with a view to Queensland hosting the World Scholar-Athlete Games in 2008.

Media, for more information, contact Kelly Chapman on 0412 066 466
The panel discussion will be held at The UQ Centre, Union Rd, UQ St Lucia. Parking is available.