Sports advocates strive for CQ’s next generation of stars
Central Queensland’s sporting enthusiasts are getting a new boost, thanks to passionate advocates who understand the unique challenges of regional sport.
Strive CQ is a new grassroots organisation connecting the region's sporting community, through local research, events and support for the region’s competitors, coaches and families.
Inspiring Australian ironwoman Harriet Brown is the latest athlete to share her expertise for the initiative, with three big events for young athletes across 28-29 September.
The sessions for juniors aged 12 and up will tackle nutrition, performance mindset and habits, and body confidence, and will be held at the Rockhampton Hockey Association and the Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Club.
Harriet Brown is a World Champion Ironwoman, and an exercise physiologist, and her unique insight merging research and personal experience will be invaluable for young competitors.
The Gold Coast-based star has also been Captain of the Australian Surf Life Saving Team three times, and she’s travelled the world to compete.
Founding members of Strive CQ include CQUniversity Exercise, Sport Science and Physical Activity academics Dr Danya Hodgetts, Dr Aaron Scanlan, Dr Thomas Doering and Anetta Van Itallie.
Alongside Strive CQ president and local physiotherapist Simon Poole, they bring a wealth of practical expertise to the group.
Dr Hodgetts said regional kids face a range of hurdles to developing their sporting journeys, and events like the Harriet Brown workshops could help them overcome the challenges.
“Central Queensland is a great place to play sport, and be part of a thriving community – but once you’re competing at a regional or state level, country kids have it tough,” she explained.
“For instance, a Rocky athlete will rarely get to compete at a state level and then sleep in his or her own bed, it’s a lot to consider in terms of preparation, for managing schooling, and for the whole family.”
Dr Hodgetts’ own children are swimmers and surf lifesavers, and a typical year of competition requires 30 nights away from home, and 15 days off school to make meets.
“Whereas if athlete lives in South-East Queensland, they just get up early and go – it’s barely a disruption,” she said.
Dr Hodgetts said the added challenges can grow stamina and resilience for a regional competitor, but extra support from organisations like Strive CQ could make the difference between persisting and quitting.
“We’re only eight years away from the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and we want our regional athletes to have every chance to be at the starting lines – and hopefully, on the podiums!” she said.
“But of course, sport is more than podiums – I want my kids to do sport because I want them to be good humans, and learn all those great lessons we get from sport.
“Ideally, it would be great to have a resource like this in every regional centre – and in the past year of developing Strive CQ, we’re seeing real demand right across local clubs and competitions.”
Tickets for the Harriet Brown sessions are $15 per workshop, with a 15 per cent discount for two tickets, or 20 per cent discount for three or more. Buy tickets online now.
The StriveCQ Supporting Sport Series is supported by Sport and Recreation Queensland and the Frenchville Sports Club.
