Sports Report: 21 Sept 2022

Australian Olympic Committee Change-Makers Forum
Radford Sports Prefects represent the College

Written by Hannah Hardy, Sports Prefect

Last Friday, Tom Hundy (Sports Prefect) and I were provided the opportunity to be part of the annual AOC Change-Maker forum. After a nomination from Radford Sport, we were both lucky enough to be successful in joining the group of 2022 Olympic Change-Makers, who were invited to watch a virtual forum, hosted by Olympian Brooke Hanson. The Change-Maker program recognises and rewards students who celebrate the Olympic spirit by demonstrating leadership and using the power of sport to bring communities together.

The forum began with an introduction from Brooke Hanson, and a Welcome to Country from Olympic beach volleyball medallist Taliqua Clancy. She provided some very thought-provoking advice: ‘One piece of advice I have for the Change-Makers is to say “yes” to any opportunities you get. Sometimes you don’t know where it will take you, but the rewards and people you meet along the way is special. Whether it’s in sport or anything else they’re passionate about, saying “yes” will open a new world of possibilities for them.'

Taliqua was later joined by Gronya Somerville (Badminton) and Cedric Dubler (Athletics – Decathlon), who answered questions about their experience in sport, particularly how inclusivity in sport allowed them to reach their goals and become impressive sportspeople. Valentino Guseli (Snowboard Halfpipe), one of the youngest Olympians at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, was also interviewed virtually from the ski fields in New Zealand. He gave valuable advice to young sportspeople about making a difference in their community. He discussed the importance of ‘being the change’ and having a positive influence on people around you.

AOC change-maker forum panellists 2022
AOC change-maker forum panellists 2022

This forum was an incredible experience which united around 1000 student Change-Makers from across the country. It celebrated the achievements of Australian Olympians, discussed the significance of the growing Indigenous Australian Olympic community, and provided advice to many young people about creating positive sporting environments where everybody can thrive.

Tom and I would like to thank Ms Fritsch, Radford Director of Sport, and Radford for providing us with this amazing opportunity.

NPL football finals
Both the U16 & 18 NPL Preliminary Finals went to penalty shootouts on Saturday. Unfortunately, the U16s lost theirs but the U18s won to secure themselves a place in the grand final scheduled for Friday 23 September, 7:30pm kick-off at the AIS Synthetic. Congratulations and good luck to the team.

Football achievement
Latisha Babic and Sophia Doumos have been selected as part of the Capital Football Under 18 Women’s Football squad. They will be representing the ACT at the upcoming Women’s National Training Centre (NTC) Challenge at the Australian Institute of Sport from Monday, 3 October to Friday, 7 October.

Featuring state teams from across the country, the NTC Challenge is an important talent identification event and another step on the pathway to national team selection for Under 18 players. It gives players the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of Football Australia and Australian National Team selectors.

Owen Toyne previously winning gold in 5000m walk
Owen Toyne previously winning gold in 5000m walk

Athletics achievement
Owen Toyne has done it again! On 11 September, he competed at the 2022 Chemist Warehouse Australian Winter Walks Championships held in Middle Park, Melbourne. Owen ‘walked’ away with the Gold Medal and broke both the U16 and U18 Australian records. As previously reported in the Bulletin, earlier in the year, Owen won gold in the U18 5000m race walk event at the 2022 Oceania Track and Field Championships.

Additional Capital Football futsal referee course
Due to high demand, Capital Football will be hosting another Futsal Referee Course. The course is open to anyone aged 13 or older and allows you to referee in the Capital Football Futsal and/ or North Canberra Futsal (Junior competition played at Radford/ Lyneham/ Gold Creek on Friday evenings and Sundays over the Summer) competitions. Becoming a Futsal referee is a great way to become involved or stay involved in community futsal as well as:

  • developing leadership skills
  • improving self-confidence
  • developing communication skills
  • earning $25/ game.

Course details:
The program will be run face-to-face in two parts, both on Sunday 9 October:

  • Part A: 9:00am-1:00pm @ The Rex Hotel, Braddon
  • Part B: 2:00-4:00pm @ Daramalan College, Dickson

There is no registration fee to enrol in this course. Click here for further information and to register.
If you have any further questions, please contact referees@capitalfootball.com.au or 02 6189 2210.

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