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To inspire is champs’ goal

Danielle RaffaeleNorth West Telegraph
Water Polo star Zoe Arancini pictured at Bicton Pool
Camera IconWater Polo star Zoe Arancini pictured at Bicton Pool Credit: Ian Munro The West Australian 21/11/19

Olympians and Paralympians of the field, track and water were due to visit Port Hedland this week on a tour to inspire budding young talents and teach valuable life lessons about health and sport.

The tour, dubbed Champions 2 Country, was scheduled to run across the Port Town and Karratha for three days from yesterday, with 10 schools set to be visited by a range of renowned athletes.

Those making their way to the Pilbara include water polo player Zoe Arancini, pictured left, athletics and soccer player Brad Scott, swimmer Blair Evans, pictured right, and sailor Belinda Stowell.

Champions 2 Country, which provides regional communities with a chance to meet high-profile sport stars, aims to inspire rural youth to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

The forums and school visits will focus on teaching youngsters about championing skills such as teamwork, leadership, respect and goal setting.

Local sporting teams across Town will also have the opportunity to meet the athletes with visits to the youth V Swans program team and students as well as Baler and Cassia Primary School.

Former gold medallist at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries regional Pilbara manger Simone Fountain said she was excited for the event.

“The exposure for our young people to have high-level athletes who have had challenges throughout their lives come and see regional people who have particular challenges that they’re trying to overcome and build resilience towards...it really gives our kids a sense of understanding what it takes,” she said.

Australian Olympic Committee Relationship manager for WA Lisa Lilleyman added that many Australian athletes come from the regions and said the tour opened up opportunities for rural youth in sport.

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