In addition to coming first in NSW in this year's HSC gaining a Band 6 in Textiles and Design Asha Martin of Moruya High School has also received a prestigious Pierre de Coubertin Award
Named after the founder of the Modern Olympic Games, the Pierre de Coubertin Award recognises students who demonstrate academic excellence and sporting prowess whilst exemplifying the Olympic values. Each award recipient must participate in sport and display the Olympic values, in particular, good sportsmanship.
More than 16,500 young Australians have received the Award since its inception in 1993.
Each year, secondary school teachers are invited to nominate one recipient for the Pierre de Coubertin Award from year 10, 11 or 12. Each nominee must participate actively in the school's physical education program with a consistently positive attitude and must have represented the school in a sport. This year saw Moruya High nominate Asha Martin. Asha has excelled herself on the field and at meets around the country and this week saw her receive well deserved Band 6 in Textiles and Design when she learned of her HSC marks and ATAR results. While Asha's academic achievements are significant to the award so to is the acknowledgement of her commitment to her sport as a long distance runner. Under Limitless Team coach Andea Kalemusic and spurred on with the strong support by her team mates including Broulee's Jaylah Hancock-Cameron this year has seen Asha collect a bevy of medals and gain the respect and recognition of her athlete peers. A very important part of the Olympic Committee's charter is the focus on education – both with the community and the school system. This is a means of diffusing to the public the spirit of the Olympic movement, its ideals and philosophy.
Award recipients are also invited to attend an Academy Day (held in each respective State) which provides the opportunity for students to meet Olympians, workshop Olympic issues and learn about of the International Olympic Movement and includes official Awards Ceremony will take place the Australian Olympic Committee. Asha plans to take a well deserved holiday first before launching into university and resuming her training as she sets her sights on running in 10km events.
Above: Asha with her well deserved Pierre de Coubertin Award - Photo Limitless Track Team
