WAIS cycling world champion Sarah Kent and Australian national water polo team goal keeper Luke Quinlivan travelled to the Mid West last week to present incursions of the Go for 2&5 WAIS Community Development Program.
Kent – who had just returned from competing for Australia at the Track Cycling World Championships in Holland and Quinlivan a UWA Torpedos representative in the Australian water polo league visited schools and sporting clubs through Geraldton and Jurien Bay on a four day tour.
Beachlands, Allendale, Geraldton, Bluff Point, Mount Tarcoola and Jurien Bay Primary Schools all enjoyed visits from the Australian representatives with over 300 kids getting the opportunity to rub shoulders with the WAIS stars and hear their motivational talks.
The Go for 2&5 WCDP encourages Western Australian kids to be physically fit and active and aim for two fruit and five veg each and every day.
The 2012 London Olympic hopefuls headlined an audiovisual presentation and addressed class groups on a range of topics including; training, competitions, highs and lows and tips on how they fit more fruit and vegetables into their busy days. The pair answered questions and handed out fruit and vegetable themed giveaways in between leading outdoor activities such as fruit and veg relay and tag.
Kent – who was a member of Australia’s gold medal winning 2010 women’s team pursuit squad at Denmark’s world championships – visited the Geraldton Spokes Cycling and Geraldton Triathlon clubs, leading the group on a 20km fun ride, which took in the evening’s twilight and gave the group the opportunity to ask Sarah for her tips and advice to improve their cycling.
Australian Sharks representative Luke Quinlivan – who is also an ambassador for the Australian Epilepsy Association as someone who has managed the condition himself – was greatly encouraged by the reaction that he and Kent received through the tour.
“All the kids seemed to have a sense of enthusiasm about getting out of the classroom and doing physical activity which was fantastic,” he said.
“I’ve always loved avocado as a substitute for sandwich spread, and being able to share such simple tips, which can improve habits and create long term health benefits was richly rewarding,” Quinlivan added.
Kent believed the opportunity to share experiences following a busy schedule, re-motivated her for next year’s big goal.
“We train long hours and work very hard in our sports, but to have the opportunity to take a break and speak to the kids about healthy lifestyles makes me appreciate what I get out of my sport. With the Olympics next year, hopefully I’ll have some new fans cheering me on in London,” Kent said.
The Go for 2&5 WCDP reaches Perth metropolitan schools and has visited large parts of regional WA since its inception. For tips on how you can get more fruit and veg into your diet go to: http://www.gofor2and5.com.au
