The Great Sports Debate (and Challenge)
Paul McNamee
One of Australia’s sporting legends is spearheading an initiative to assist Monash students with skills development in their chosen sport.
The Enhanced Elite Athletes Friendly Program will support Monash students who have the ability to compete at an international level, providing daily training under a technical director.
Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow Paul McNamee AM (BSc 1976) said the training would supplement regular coaching, training and team obligations.
"This is a groundbreaking initiative for young Australians to be able to combine their sporting and academic goals within an unparalleled environment, preparing them for international sporting success," Professor McNamee said.
"In this way, an athlete whilst attending Monash can in full confidence keep his or her dream alive of a professional sporting career. In other words, there ought not be the sinking feeling that a decision to attend or not to attend a quality Australian university is in fact a choice between education and pursuing a professional sporting career."
To assist the University and Professor McNamee launch the program, a fundraising event will be held next month and corporate sponsors are being sought. A dinner and debate is planned for 19 November at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, when two athletes will be inducted into the Monash Sport Hall of Fame.
“We do need support for this program but the financial support goes beyond that. It is an investment in the future of a young person, who potentially will represent Australia in their chosen sporting endeavours,” Professor McNamee said.
“I would like to see some of the big names in sport and associated businesses get behind our approach to nurturing the athletic skills as well as the academic potential of the next generation. We have some marvellous students out there who are talented, dedicated and truly inspirational – if we can support them, they will in turn support the next generation of sporting hopefuls.
“At a time when we’re tackling all sorts of medical and societal conditions like obesity and related health risks, sport and activity should be top of our agenda … and for that to become a priority we need to stimulate and excite the future of sport and reignite our enthusiasm and passion for a winning Australia.”
The debate will be chaired by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Bryan Horrigan, and the topic for discussion will be 'The next golden era of Australian Sport is not out of reach'.
The inaugural Great Sports Debate will feature sporting greats John Bertrand, Olympic gold medallist Glynis Nunn-Cearns, elite golfer Geoff Ogilvy, former ASADA boss Richard Ings, former professional golfer Michael Clayton, and test cricketer Tony Dodemaide. Also in attendance will be Monash Sport Hall of Famers including Lauren Hewitt, Rob Foldvari, Chris Wardlaw, Chris Dane, Paul Trimboli, Anna Wilson and Simon Yudelevich.
For more information and bookings, see The Great Sports Debate website.