Newsroom
Articles
Kate is passionate about contributing to public debate on a wide range of important issues. Here are some of the issues she has touched on in the past.
- Should successful athletes have to pay back the AIS 10 Jun 2009
- Let's give youth voice now for a better future 12 Oct 2008
- Organ donation it's the greatest gift of all 21 Sep 2008
- Is safe sex message falling on deaf ears 31 Aug 2008
- Grassroots funding is key to Olympic glorys 10 Aug 2008
- Easy to overlook big issue of homelessness 20 Jul 2008
- Trailblazer Natasha leaves lasting legacy 29 Jun 2008
- Heavy hitters boost our World Cup hopes 01 Jun 2008
- Youth Forum Discussion Paper 17 May 2008
- We can't take sport for granted 11 May 2008
- Women truly can do anything be anything 20 Apr 2008
- Let the Games begin with all our athletes 30 Mar 2008
- Proud past but future a challenge for women 09 Mar 2008
- Young people will be heard at highest level 17 Feb 2008
- Our nation has changed dramatically in three weeks 16 Dec 2007
- Mobile Phone Towers 23 Sep 2007
- Bradken Foundry 01 Jul 2007
- Full Fees 03 Jun 2007
- Eating Disorders 17 Dec 2006
- Iraq 27 Jul 2006
- Electoral Laws 26 Jun 2006
- Dental 08 Jan 2006
- Make Poverty History 18 Sep 2005
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Media Releases
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 200809 Oct 2009 - Masters of Sport Send Message of Good Health
Friday 9 October 2009
The Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis today welcomed athletes from all over the world to the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney.
"You can't help but be inspired by these athletes. Some have stuck with their chosen sport their whole lives, others have picked up new sporting skills later in life.
"But every one is a champion and an ambassador of an important message of good health and engagement in the community," Ms Ellis said.
A record 28,000 competitors from 95 countries will compete at the Games. It's the largest multi-sport event in the world and this year's attendance breaks the previous record set at the 2002 Melbourne World Masters Games.
"The Australian Government is investing $8.5 million in this year's Games as part of our strong preventative health agenda.
"There's no better way to ward off illness and maintain good mental health than by staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle."
The average age of competitors at this year's Games is 50. There are two centenarian competitors: 101-year-old lawn bowler Reg Trewin and 100-year-old athlete Ruth Frith of Brisbane.
"Reg and Ruth prove that sport is for everyone no matter what your age. It's never too late to get active and stay healthy," Ms Ellis said.
"Many more Australians should follow their lead. More than half of Australian adults are either overweight or obese, increasing their risk of preventable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers," she said.
"We want all Australians to lead long, happy and healthy lives and taking part in events like the Masters Games is the way to do it. Let the games begin!" Ms Ellis said.
Ms Ellis will attend events and present medals at the World Masters Games, which runs from 10 to 18 October at sporting venues across Sydney.
For more information visit www.2009worldmasters.com
Press Secretary: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512 jayne.stinson@deewr.gov.au