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that what we all strive for, to have a better life for our family and ourselves. The
Olympics gives us all an opportunity to aspire for greater things, and we all reap
rewards in different ways for the changes it gives us.
I have had the pleasure through my work as an athletics administrator, to watch
Olympic athletes take shape, from junior to senior, from personal bests to Olympic
success. Their courage, their determination, their strength and their humanity are an
inspiration to us all. In them you find your own strengths to set goals and achieve
them to the best of your ability. I know that by being a part of this process to help
athletes reach their Olympic dreams, I too have reached my own.
Although I am employed within the sport of athletics, wherever it has been
possible I have volunteered in weekend competition, national championships and
grand prix events. In 1996 I was fortunate enough to be involved with the conduct
of the IAAF World Track and Field Championships, this was my first taste of
international competition. This was also the training ground for the track and field
officials and volunteers for the Sydney Olympics. I was fortunate to be given a role
working in the Technical Information Centre. Our fortune was the opportunity to
work with the team managers and coaches from 120 countries. We enjoyed the
challenges of overcoming our cultural and linguistic differences to provide the best
service we could to our sporting friends of the world.
In 1999 I participated in the Australian Olympic Academy and its own way
this added a special element to my involvement in the Olympics 11 months later.
At the end of the Academy Australian swimming Olympian, Nicole Stevenson,
presented to us the Australian athletes in preparation for the Sydney Games, it was
simply based on the world ASPIRE.
Attitude - My positive attitudes is essential in overcoming obstacles to help me
improve and give of my best. My positive attitude is a key ingredient to success
and leadership.
Sportsmanship - I recognise that sport is greater than the individual; that
cheating reduces the stature of sport and all who respect the virtues and values
of sport.
Pride — Pride drives me when the temptation is to settle for something less.
I am proud to have been chosen to represent our country.
Individual Responsibility — I alone am responsible for my performance but
I will be generous in acknowledging the support of others.
Respect — I respect sport, the efforts of my competitors, my team-mates and
officials. I respect Australia, our Olympic past and the spirit of Olympism.
Express — I have an opinion and will express my view with thought and
consideration to others. In showing my emotions I do so with individuality and,
where possible, good humour.
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