F1 ' 77
U72LMJYJ Uf. P191tIJL E R
FOR PRESS MONDAYP, JANUARY 26 1961
OPENING OF THE NATIONAL INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE
AND THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT
Australians have often done very well in world competition.
They have shown great talent as individuals and they have..
been great coaches. We had done so well for our numbers that
many believed that this would inevitably continue that there:
was some natural sporting superiority in the outdoor loving
Australians. But then victories seemed to be harder, competition
tougher.
Where we had excelled in the coaching and capacity, others
studied what we had donc, improved on these practices, and
surpassed us. We came to know that victories in sport were
harder:.. to achieve, competition was tougher, training of our
competitors was more concentrated and scientific. we had to
decide whether we would let the world pass us by, or whether
we would give our athletes full-blooded support needed for world
victories. We needed world standard training facilities, we
had to show Australia could offer as much, or more, than other
countries, We want to entice our best athletes, our best
coaches, to live, to work, to train in Australia.
It had been galling sometimes to know that for the lack of
encouragement and facilities at home Australians might have
spent more time coaching our competitors than Australians.
Well, this indoor sports complex and this institute are a
clear sign that we are no,. longer going to allow the world to
pass us by.
This complex, * this Nat~ ional Indoor Sports Centre and the
National Institute of Sport are a clear indication of our
determination to reverse past trends. Up until now, too
many world class Australian athletes at the end of their normal1
schooling would have had to make the decision to undertake
tertiary studies or to continue with their sport. There were
no adequate facilities or opportunities to enable them to
do both, as is common overseas.
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The Australian Institute of Sport, established in close
co-operation and arrangement with high class tertiary
institutions in the National Capital alters all this.
Here, young Australian athletes can pursue their sport
and gain other qualifications.
Bluntly, we have provided the physical facilities. This
centre * enables 22 sports to be pursued. It has attracted
world class Australian coaches. Don Talbot has returned
from overseas to be executive director--a vital person
excited% by, the prospects and opportunities of the Australian
Institute of Sport. Kevin.-Gosper will be chairing the board
of management., And David Dickson, former. Olympian, will be
directing the total complex.
I commend Bob Ellicott,' on behalf of the Government, for
his enthusiasm in pushing this projecti through to completion
in only a little more than one year.
S Here we seek to bring together, great opportuniti'es for young
Australians, guided by the best coaches that can be found.
Young men and women will be given opportunities that are
second to none in any country anywhere.
Some have already achieved great things for themselves and
for Australia. These'-Lisa Curry, Ken Lorraway and
Tracey Wickham to name a few, will be given greater
opportunity to build on their earl. achievements.
In the past, Australia had some of the world's best coaches,
Harry Hopman, Harry Gallagher, Franz Stampf 1, Forbes Carlisle
and Don Talbot himself. But the work has been made more
difficult and they have at times been seduced overseas
because of lack of encouragement and lack of facilities
in Australia.
I hope what you see at this National Institute of Sport and
Indoor Sports Centre will be repeated with the support of
9 State governments providing greater opportunities for young
Australians. Coaches and.-athletes working together through this institute,
will, I am certain, produce great things for Australia and
carry Australia's name high.
On this Australia Day in 1981, I take great pleasure in declaring
open this Indoor Sports Centre and the National Institute of
Sport.