Dungog High School student Ellie Wallace has received the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin award for her contribution to sport and for embodying the Olympic spirit.
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The award is named after Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, and recognises not only Ellie’s sporting achievements but also her attitude outside of sport.
Dungog High School PDHPE Teacher Timothy Francey said he had no hesitation in nominating Ellie for her “consistent display of compassion, sportsmanship, friendliness and respect for her peers and opponents”.
“Ellie has represented Dungog High School and the Hunter Region in swimming, netball, and soccer,” said Mr Francey.
“She also gained the honour of captaining the Hunter CHS Volleyball team at the NSW State Championships for the last two years.”
Part of the process for the award was Ellie providing the Olympic Committee with a written submission. Ellie said sport had helped shape her into the person she is.
“Through sports, my social groups have expanded, I have made so many life-long friends and I’m very thankful for the relationships I’ve made,” she wrote.
“Sport is a great way for me to relieve the stresses of school and take a break from the world.
“I’m not the most academic student and I may never be the best at maths, chemistry or biology but on the court, that’s where I get to feel like a genius alongside my team.
“Sport has given me a massive gain in confidence, development of leadership skills and an increased level of mental awareness.
“All of which make me a better person and are skills and traits I can use in my everyday life.
“Sport gives me so many benefits physically, mentally and socially. It gives me goals to set and reach, and keeps me well entertained.
“Through all my experiences in sport I have learned so much, and I will never stop learning from it no matter what age or stage in life I’m at.”
Ellie’s commitment extends beyond the sporting field; she volunteers as a surf lifesaver and played a valuable role as a student mentor in Dungog High School’s peer support program.
”Ellie embodies her school core values of Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best as well as the Olympic ideals,” said Mr Francey.
The Olympic ideals promote the three core values; excellence, friendship and respect.
One senior secondary school student from each school is eligible to be nominated for the Pierre de Coubertin Award through the Australian Olympic Committee.
