E&OE...................................................................................................
Hello Betty. It's a tremendous privilege for me to share this
occasion with you and so many of your admirers and fans all around
Australia. Everything that's been said about Betty today, the
people who know her best and love her most in her sporting career
and through her life have spoken very warmly of what she has meant
to them and what she has meant to the Olympic ideal.
I suppose one of the things that one could emphatically say about
Betty is that she is the ultimate example of what the Olympic ideal
is really all about. Because it's not only about performance,
it's not only about winning. It's not only about being the
best. And she has performed well, she's won, she's been
the best - the only Australian to win four gold medals in track and
field events, and that is the best - but she's also displayed
something else which is indisputably part of the Olympic ideal, and
she's displayed immense character. And the strength of character
that she displayed in her athletic career has been matched, indeed,
exceeded by the strength of character of which she has displayed later
in life. And the uncomplaining manner in which she has dealt with
an adversity that would have crumpled the best of us is a tremendous
example.
And I think it is entirely appropriate that we should be gathered
here at what is undoubtedly Australia's most revered and hallowed
sporting arena, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, in the presence of what
must be one of the greatest gatherings of Olympic champions and contributors
to Australia's Olympic performance. And people have come together
very quickly because they admire, Betty, what you achieved as an athlete.
They revere what you represent in terms of the best of the Australian
character. And they admire, indeed, they are in awe of the tremendous
courage that you've demonstrated.
So to you, I know that everybody here today will get behind the purpose
of today's luncheon. And in declaring open the Betty Cuthbert
appeal, can I say to you Betty, that the Melbourne Cricket Ground
is still full of Australians who are cheering for you.
Thank you.