Snowsports training for Wesley

Over the past 6 weeks I have been involved in the Snowsports training program for Wesley College (my old school!). With over 35 super-enthusiastic kids from prep to grade 12, it's been quite a mission! And definitely lots of fun. I have been coaching the kids at the Wesley College gym (renowned for its amazing foam pit) as well as the Tan, and finally yesterday's session to finish off at the Ice House at Docklands for some ice-skating.

Here are some pictures from the past few weeks... (Strange for me to be back in the purple and gold uniform!)

 (Wesley College back turf)

 ("Can we play hide and seek instead of running up this hill?")

i ski for tommy

A few months ago I jumped on board with Mark Chicchiello as an ambassador for the new "I Ski For Tommy" foundation.

Tom Mathias, a talented ski racer and great friend, passed away on January 6th 2009 at the young age of 23 from skin melanoma. Tom was far from any ordinary individual. He was  intelligent, studying both commerce and arts and Melbourne University, as well as spoke fluent French and was a talented athlete. More importantly, he was an inspiration and mentor to me, as well as a great teammate and friend.

Along with Mark, (founder of the program) the three athlete ambassadors include myself (ski cross), Michael Rishworth (alpine) and Daniel Portelli (snowboard cross).

Please visit www.iskifortommy.com for further information...

 (isft t-shirts for sale on the website)

Olympic Day's 'Back to School' visit

Last week I participated in the AOC's Olympic Day 'Back to School' program, and visited St. Clement's Primary School in Bulleen. 

I spoke to 300+ school kids from prep to grade 6 about my life as an athlete and my Olympic experience. It was so rewarding to see their faces light up whilst showing them photos from the Olympics. I also brought along my Olympic uniform for the kids to try on. 

I must admit, it was quite strange returning to primary school as an "Olympian" and someone who the kids looked up to, when it was only 9 years ago that I left primary school myself! I enjoyed the day immensely, and I hope that I was able to inspire the kids to dream big.

 (Speaking in assembly at St. Clements)

(Topaz Crema, my grade 4 niece, in the Olympic race suit, feeling like she's "just won a gold medal")

(St. Clement's grade 4 class)

(Perhaps a future Olympian...??)

The following is an article published by the AOC about my school visit. 

Students Squeeze into Olympic Ski Gear' - AOC article