Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Schools in the Centre embrace Olympic spirit

They may be a long way from Sydney but students in central Australia are nonetheless enthusiastically celebrating the Olympic Games and its ideals of coming together in fair competition and striving to do one's best. Alice Springs Town Council's Olympic Torch Committee is encouraging this interest with the staging of the 'Keep the Spirit Alive Olympic Torch Festival'.

Schools, students and their communities, fanning out from Alice Springs for a radius of 1,000 kilometres, are coordinating numerous activities, such as an Olympic stamp competition. Haast's Bluff Area School is being supported by Australia Post in this endeavour with entries being considered for stamp designs in 2001.

This and other activities will culminate in the 5,000 students from Alice Springs and 1,500 students from remote communities, coming together in a three day participatory get together of all schools in Alice Springs on 7 June.

Coordinator of SHAPES (Sport Health and Physical Education School), Darryl Owen, said sport is very important to young people in the Territory, particularly in remote areas where it is often a community focal point. "For many young people their greatest heroes are sports people," he said.

"Cathy Freeman, in particular, is hero worshipped by many and as a result the Olympics is of enormous interest to them. Partly through her achievements, they recognise sport as an area where people from all backgrounds can participate and achieve great things. Obviously most people here cannot get down to Sydney, but for these students to have a chance to touch the Olympic torch that Cathy will touch will be an unforgettable moment," he said.

Darryl said the Festival would also be a great opportunity to bring young people from the town and bush together in a great celebration. They will be able to take part in over 60 different activities including arts, dance, drama and, of course, sports. The climax will come on the Friday night with athletic events to be staged before the lit Olympic cauldron.

For further information contact Darryl Owen, telephone (08) 8952 8541

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