The NSW State Presentation of the Pierre de Coubertin Awards was run at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on 26 June 2009.
One hundred students were recognised at this Award Ceremony for displaying excellence in sport and importantly demonstrating sportsmanship. In conveying this award, the AOC recognises sports people who not only play the game well, but uphold the Olympic virtues of fair play.
Students are selected by their schools and are often role models for students in their own right. Having spent a full day with them, the NSW Olympic Council was once again encouraged by the exceptionally high calibre of students who are nominated for this award.
Several great Australian Olympians joined the Academy to impart their knowledge to the students. Deb Watson OAM (Water Polo, Sydney 2000) took the students through the Live Clean Play Clean drug education session which is always an eye opener at the student’s Academy.
Jeremy Rolleston (Bobsleigh, Torino 2006) was inspirational in his account of the highs and lows throughout his career in top level rugby and winter sports. Beijing Gold Medallist Nathan Wilmot OAM (Sailing 470 Class) gave a detailed account of his road to success over a life time on the water. The students were captivated by all three of Olympian’s presentations.
Olympic Silver Medallist Jacqui Lawrence (Canoe / Kayak, Beijing 2008) addressed the formal presentation of one hundred students and three hundred guests to reinforce the message that selection to an Olympic Team is a long road that tests the will of all athletes, and encouraged all students to follow their dreams with hard work.
The Pierre de Coubertin Award is open to all secondary schools in NSW. The take-up in 2009 is very encouraging and will surpass the figure of 309 from the 2008 Olympic Year. | 
