South Australian two-time Olympic marathoner Jess Trengove was announced as one of the Games ambassadors for the 10th edition of the Pacific School Games at the University of Adelaide this morning, as the first of the participating countries and the Games anthem were unveiled.
The marathon star and former Pacific School Games representative joined Minister for Tourism, Recreation and Sport Leon Bignell in previewing the world’s best multi-sport school competition for Australia and international students.
Minister Bignell said he was delighted to introduce Trengove as the Games ambassador, saying, “It is an honour to announce Adelaide local Jess Trengove as an official 2017 Games ambassador. As a former participant who has gone on to represent Australia on the world stage, she is a great role model for all the student-athletes selected for the Games.”
Minister Bignell announced that nine countries were already confirmed to attend the Games, highlighting the size and importance of the event to Adelaide.
“We are looking forward to hosting the stars of the future, not only from Australia, but from around the world. Countries that are confirmed to participate this December include China, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Fiji, Macau, Singapore, New Caledonia and the Philippines with more to be announced in the coming months.
“Adelaide is 100% behind the Games and we welcome all the students and their families to our beautiful city, knowing that our locals will show their support as hosts, spectators and volunteers,” Minister Bignell said.
The Pacific School Games will run from 3-9 December delivering a sporting, educational, cultural, social and life-long experience to more than 4,000 school-aged students who will compete across 11 sports.
The Games are the breeding ground for Australia’s future sporting stars, with Trengove just one of the former participants who has gone on to represent Australia at an Olympic Games. Others include basketball player Patty Mills, swimmers Kyle Chalmers, Emma McKeon and Ian Thorpe along with track star Cathy Freeman. Australian Football League players who got their start at the Pacific School Games include Hawthorn’s Cyril Rioli (100m, 200m, 800m – 2000 PSG) and Melbourne young gun Christian Petracca (basketball – 2008 PSG).
Trengove, represented South Australia at the 2005 Pacific School Games where she competed in five different track and field events with her best result coming with a silver in the 1600m medley relay.
The 30-year-old Olympic marathoner recently placed ninth at the world athletics championships in London, which is the best ever placing by an Australian female marathoner at that competition, and she holds a bronze medal in the marathon from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Trengove is looking forward to interacting with the student-athletes and being a part of the Australian Olympic Committee’s educational program.
“The learnings from my School Sport Australia and Pacific School Games experiences formed an important platform and helped pave the way towards achieving my Olympic dream,” Trengove said.
“I really encourage athletes to get the most out of themselves in this sporting competition, but first and foremost to enjoy it.”
CLICK HERE to watch Jess Trengove reflect on her Pacific School Games experience.
For many of the young South Australia bound participants, the 2017 Pacific School Games will be their first taste of elite competition.
“The Pacific School Games gives students across the world an incredible opportunity to compete in high level sport while taking part in educational and cultural experiences,” President of School Sport Australia Graeme Jennings said.
“With less than three months to go a lot of excitement is building around School Sport Australia’s flagship event, and as the 10th edition in 2017 it promises to be the best yet.”
An official Pacific School Games song “One Life (Use it)” – 2017 Pacific School Games Theme by Kelly Brouhaha, was released and performed by Brouhaha today at the launch.
Supporters Passes to the Games are available for purchase at a discounted price before Monday, 9 October which include entry to all sports and functions, along with discounted offers at selected eateries throughout the city.
Travelling via public transport will be free with the Supporters Pass that will also provide access to the Opening Ceremony and Games Village.
The 10th Pacific School Games are proudly supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission through Events South Australia.