2003 School Magazine

FACULTIES

SPORT ELITE ATHLETES ENHANCE THE SPORTING PROGRAMME

Brett ESPeland of the Australian Sports Commission was quoted in the Courier-Mail on Friday, 13 June as saying, "Self esteem, team skills, confidence, learning how to lose, emotional and physical health - sport delivers wonderful life skills. " The Brisbane Girls Grammar School sporting programme embraces this principle and thus aims to provide each student with multiple opportunities to develop these characteristics To remain competitive in the current school sporting environment is a challenge for any Institution. Brisbane Girls Grammar School attempts to provide the best facilities and coaching expertise available. Exposing our athletes to elite performers is one way to motivate and excite the students, giving them genuine insights into the sacrifices, commitment, lessons learned, and life experiences of some extraordinary people and athletes This year, Brooke Wilkins, one of the most seasoned Australian pitchers and a dual Olympian, visited the School as a representative of the Brisbane Softball Association. Brooke discussed with the students, who ranged from Year 8 to 11, her life experiences as an international softball player and the complexity of life as an elite athlete Brooke explained the impact maturity and the understanding of self had on her performance. Athletes, like Brooke Wilkins who bring humanity and individuality to their sport, inspire and encourage our students-and provide them with strong female role models to follow. it is hoped that our athletes will also gain a greater understanding of the commitment and effort needed to achieve the goals, both sporting and personal, that they set in their lives Mrs P Harvey-Short Director of Health, Physical Education and Sport

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Girls Grammar students were given the opportunity to see Australian pitcher. Brooke Wilkins, up close and in action. They were also able to hold those precious Olympic medals. one from AtIanta and one from S dne .