Students inspired by Olympian at Harwood Public School
SIXTY-TWO would-be athletes at Harwood Public School were inspired yesterday by a visit from Australian Olympic gymnast and diver Alexandra Croak.
The questions to the sport star from the doting youngsters showed no sign of letting up and teachers had to call an end to the session.
"Do you have a special diet?" "Have you seen every country in the world?" "Do you prefer diving or gymnastics?" and "What other sports do you like?" were just some of the questions from the floor.
Ms Croak was helping spread the word about the benefits of staying fit and active as part of the Premier's Sporting Challenge, which aims to promote the benefits of physical activity among young people.
Ms Croak, a Challenge ambassador, also spoke to the students about the importance of physical activity in overall health and presented 10 of the top sporting students with certificates.
The Challenge was launched in 2007 and is open to all NSW public school students.
In 2011, more than 191,000 students from 1006 schools took part in the Challenge. Of these schools, 84% received a Gold Award or higher (i.e. an average of more than 60 minutes of physical activity per student per day).
In 2012, more than 220,000 students from 1059 schools are taking part.
Students were treated to a video and even caught a glimpse of some of Ms Croak's medals.
"The kids though it was brilliant," one teacher said.
"They were so interested in the whole thing and I'm sure we have a few budding athletes at the school."
