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Submission by Pony Club Australia on 06 November 2008.
1. Ensure Australia's continued elite sporting success
GENERAL COMMENT: To move to elite sport as the prime focus would be a most retrograde step. Elite sport does nothing for the general population, yes the population enjoys watching Australia's elite athletes win medals but watching elite sport on TV does nothing for social inclusion and connection and the health and well being of the population. Put the money and effort into junior and general sport, the average individual in the street is proud of our elite athletes but doesn't loose a wink of sleep or give a toss that Australia didn't win as many medals at the last Olympics as was predicted but they are very concerned about the increasing isolation of people, the drug problems and health issues, problems that can all be addressed though greater involvement in general sport. The AIS needs to broaden its mandate to have more emphasis on junior sport and their NSO's. Our future elite athletes come from good all round support provided at the junior level. AIS and State and Territory institutes should also broaden their scope to include and support all Olympic disciplines at the junior and adult levels. State and Territory acadamies of sport and regional institutes are paramount to supporting junior sport.
2. Better place sport and physical activity as a key component of the Government's preventative health approach
The support of both Federal and State Governments is paramount to the success and future development of junior sport at the grass roots level. More support is needed for junior sport. State and Local Government should be encouraged to provide the facilities required for junior sport.
3. Strengthen pathways from junior sport to grassroots community sport right through to elite and professional sport
no comment
4. Maintain Australia's cutting edge approach to sports science, research and technology
No comment
5. Identify opportunities to increase and diversify the funding base for sport through corporate sponsorship, media and any recommended reforms, such as enhancing the effectiveness of the Australian Sports Foundation
No Comment
Page last updated: 06 November, 2008