Shani embraces Olympic spirit

HONOURED: Camira's Shani Wilton shows off her Pierre de Coubertin Award she won. Photo supplied

NO matter where Shani Wilton's exquisite sporting talents take her, she's already a proven winner.

The multi-talented Brigidine College student was recognised for her commitment and performance in a number of sports during many years by winning the 2010 Pierre de Coubertin Award.

Captain of her school's senior water polo and soccer teams, the Camira teen was delighted to receive the award.

“Being nominated and then receiving this award is almost like a dream,” she said.

“It feels great to be acknowledged for doing what I love.

“I believe that no matter what you achieve, whether it is leading your team to victory, reaching your goal or simply participating in a sport you love, the values you attain from this will always be with you.”

The Pierre de Coubertin Awards, which are named after the founder of the modern Olympic Games, recognises students who demonstrate initiative, teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play – all qualities that are consistent with the fundamental aims of the Olympic movement.

Wilton, a year 12 student, was nominated by Brigidine College's Head of PE, Mrs Chambers because “of how well she fulfils these qualities”.

More than 100 secondary school students were honoured at the annual Pierre de Coubertin Awards on Saturday, June 26, in a prestigious ceremony involving the Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport, Phil Reeves and Olympic swimmer, Jessicah Schipper.

Wilton hailed the Pierre de Coubertin Awards a brilliant initiative by the Australian Olympic Committee.

“The Pierre De Coubertin Award is important, because it encourages young people to build a peaceful and better world through sport being played in accordance with the Olympic spirit and its values,” she said.