The Salmat Yarra Bay Fun Run and Walk was a great success with 300 participants in the 6km Fun Run and Walk and a further 50 kids in the 1200m running races. Over $5,500 was raised through entry fees for Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for youth (www.ianthorpesfountainforyouth.com.au). Ian attended the presentation for the events and was very grateful for the support of his charity and also pleased to see so many people enjoying a healthy, active life.

Above: ALAN WHITE, PETER GARRETT and IAN THORPE

We were also privileged to have in attendance at the presentation representatives from all three levels of government;

• Federal Minister for Environment, Arts and Heritage and Member for Kingsford Smith; The Honourable Peter Garrett.
• NSW Minister for Roads and Member for Maroubra; The Hon. Michael Daley.
• Randwick Councillor (South Ward), Alan White.

Above: Alan White, Michael Daley, Jane Saville, Ian Thorpe and Nat Saville

There has been a lot of positive feedback from participants and I will certainly aim to grow the event next year. I have included some photos here and also on the gallery part of the website.

Above: Oscar the Orange warming up for the Fun Run and Walk.

Thanks to all the sponsors who donated money and prizes, without them the day wouldn’t have been such a success. And also the volunteers from Randwick-Botany Harriers Athletics Club, Regal Race Walkers, South Eastern Little Athletics and the Randwick SES who ensured everything ran smoothly on the day.

For full results go to http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/results.aspx and look at 1/3/09 Salmat Fun Run and Walk

Indigenous Youth Athletics Coaching Clinic

Above: Kyle Vander Kuyp teaching kids how to hurdle.

The Indigenous Youth Coaching Clinic that was held on 28th February at Yarra Bay was also a success with 50 Indigenous Kids enjoying nearly two hours of athletics and coaching from accredited coaches and also Olympic Finalist Kyle Vander Kuyp and 2008 National 100m Champion Otis Gowa.

Above: Otis Gowa coaching the kids

It was a great introduction to athletics and complemented with free tickets and bus transport to Homebush for the Sydney Track Classic held that night where they watched Australia’s top athletes compete including Olympic Gold Medallist Steve Hooker in the Pole Vault.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the weekends activities. I’m definitely planning the Yarra Bay Fun Run and Walk for 2010 and hopefully another coaching clinic.

Here is a Press Release about my retirement!

JANE SAVILLE RETIRES, WALKS INTO COMMUNITY ROLE

After an outstanding 20-year career that included four Olympic appearances, highlighted by a bronze medal in 2004, Jane Saville today announced that she will be walking away from competitive athletics to continue her role as a health ambassador through her own community initiative.
The community initiative which involves a family based fun run and walk and an Indigenous Youth athletics Coaching Clinic is an extension of Saville’s long term dedication to the health and wellness of everyday Australians.
The first of the two-day events will take place at Sydney's Yarra Bay over the weekend of Saturday February 28 and Sunday March 1 and all proceeds will be donated to Ian Thorpe's Fountain for youth charity.
"I am very proud of what I have achieved in my sport, and whilst I will no longer be competing professionally, I will continue to build on my role as a health and wellness ambassador in the community,” said Saville, who also won ten National titles and three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals.
“I want to give back to the sport that has given me so much and I feel like I can best do that by encouraging people of all ages to live an active lifestyle through the development of my community events, coaching clinics, my promotional work with my corporate partners and by serving as an ambassador for athletics.”
Saville, who has a Bachelor of Social Science (major Economics) and a Graduate Diploma Applied Finance & Investment, will also continue her association with elite athletics as a member of IAAF Race Walking Committee.
"There are so many people I would like to thank for the role they have played in my career, but I would especially like to thank my parents and sister, Natalie, my husband and coach, Matt, and my sponsors who have been so loyal over the years," the-34-year-old said.
"I have also received fantastic support from so many sectors of the community and media which has been both personally satisfying and positive for the sport of athletics."
Most Australians will remember Saville’s heartbreak at the 2000 Sydney Olympics when she was disqualified only 150m from the finish line, and a certain gold medal. Saville’s outstanding sportsmanship won her international praise which included Sports Illustrated naming it one of their Top Ten Olympic Moments.
Following the disappointment of Sydney, Saville went on to win gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games (the second of three Commonwealth Games gold medals - 1998, 2002, 2006) before clinching an Olympic bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and finishing the year ranked number one in the world. Saville has captained the Australian Athletics Team at Olympic, Commonwealth Games and World Championship level and was the Australian Flag Bearer at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
The aim of the Indigenous Youth Athletics Coaching Clinic and the Salmat Yarra Bay 6km Fun Run and Walk is to bring the sport of athletics to the community, encourage youth participation in athletics, raise money for Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for youth and encourage active and healthy people.
For information about the Yarra Bay Events go to: www.janesaville.com/yarrabay

A NEW YEAR!

Hi Everyone,
2009 has started well and I have been walking more and more each week with my injury feeling better but still not 100%. I will have to make a decision soon about my plans for 2009. I’m also keeping myself occupied by organising an event: Salmat Fun Run and Walk at Yarra Bay (on Botany Bay, near La Perouse in Sydney) on 1st March to raise funds for Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for youth www.ianthorpesfounatinforyouth.com.au The Fountain for youth raises money for education and health programmes for indigenous children throughout Australia.

I’m also organising with my club Randwick Botany Harriers an Indigenous Youth Coaching Clinic on 28th February at Yarra Bay as well. I grew up at Little Bay and attended La Perouse School and there were a lot of super talented aboriginal kids; more talented than I! So I thought it would be great to get some of the local kids excited about athletics and hopefully long term participation. The coaching clinic is free with the financial assistance of NSW Sport and Recreation. After the clinic all the kids and their families will travel by bus out to watch the best Australian athletes compete at the Sydney Track Classic with free tickets courtesy of Athletics NSW and Athletics Australia.

I’ll update with the website and other details on how to enter soon!

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS!

At the end of last year I was featured on the South Sydney Rabbitohs website. They're the Rugby League Team I've supported all my life. They're playing back at their old home ground at Redfern on February 7th and it will be the only game I see them play in 2009 because of my hectic overseas schedule.
This is a photo of me at Redfern Oval: Home of the Rabbitohs
FROM an interview on www.rabbitohs.com.au :Olympian Jane Saville Renews her 2009 Membership 05 Nov 2008

Australian Olympian Jane Saville has renewed her 2009 Rabbitohs Membership this week, showing her continued support for the team she loves.
The official Rabbitohs website, www.rabbitohs.com.au, spoke to Jane about her support of the Rabbitohs and why she becomes a Member each and every year.

How long have you been a Rabbitohs supporter?
All my life. It’s in my blood. My whole family are Souths supporters.

How did you become a Rabbitohs Member?
Well my father played grade for the Rabbitohs many years ago and my cousins played in the Juniors so we had no choice but to follow the mighty Rabbitohs. I’ve been a Member for the past 10 years.

Why is Ticketed Membership important to you and why do you think it’s important to the Rabbitohs?
I believe Membership is about belonging to the Rabbitohs community and supporting the Club in the best way possible. When we were excluded, it was great to see the Members and supporters band together for the fightback.
As an athlete, there’s nothing better than having the crowd cheering you on and I know the Rabbitohs players would feel the same when the Members are cheering them on at ANZ Stadium.

What has been your favourite moment as a Rabbitohs Member?
There are so many highlights but I would have to say that anytime we beat the Roosters is always special.

Who is your favourite Rabbitohs player?
I love seeing the Juniors come through the ranks and that’s why Nathan Merritt is my favourite player. Nathan played for the Alexandria Rovers as did my father.

Where do you think the Rabbitohs will finsh in 2009?
We’ll make the finals for sure in 2009 and then on to bigger and better things in 2010.

Will you be attending the Return to Redfern match here at Redfern Oval next year?
If I’m in the country and not off competing somewhere I’ll definitely be there. I can’t wait to see the team once again on Redfern Oval.