Amy France of Year 12 has been presented the Pierre De Coubertin Award in a ceremony at the University of Technology, Sydney. Organised by the Australian Olympic Committee, the award recognises secondary school students who demonstrate values which are consistent with the Olympic Movement through participation in sporting activities. Amy was nominated by St Andrews College for her achievements across a number of sports both on the field and as an official.
Her citation reads as follows:
Amy has been involved in Diving (Springboard and Platform), for six years through her school St Andrews College and with the Parramatta Diving Club.
She has competed at State level, coming 4th at the recent NSW All Schools Championships. At this event, she spent the remainder of the day, as she had the previous two years, judging. Her fair and accurate judging skills saw her selected as the only NSW student Diving Official on the team to the Pacific School Games. Amy also volunteers her time to officiate at many local and state competitions outside school hours and has assisted with coaching for three years. She is always encouraging of other athletes and is well respected by divers, team managers and coaches.
Amy has been actively involved in gymnastics for 10 years with Seven Hills/Toongabbie/Wentworthville RSL Youth Club where she was selected into the Development Squad and has completed Level 4. At 12 years old, Amy started coaching and is currently accredited as an Intermediate coach while working on her Senior coaching qualification. She is coaching a Level 1 group at present. In addition to coaching, Amy has recently been accredited for judging and often assists in the canteen.
In 2015, Amy was selected by the RSL Youth Club to be an ambassador on a reciprocal ANZAC Tour to New Zealand. To be eligible for this great honour, the nominee had to be selected by their club as someone who has shown an ongoing commitment to their club. They then had to complete a series of interviews before being chosen as the final 12. Amy was successful and participated in various ANZAC Day events hosted by RSL Clubs in New Zealand.
In addition to the aforementioned sports, Amy has been a dancer since she was three years old and a junior dance teacher for a few years. Her latest performances through the College include the Wests Tiger’s Dance Spectacular, PDSSSC Dance competition, Bring It On Dance competition and the College Creative Arts Night (CAN). In 2015, she was part of a dance class who taught dance at the local Day Care Centre.
Amy also often participates in the City to Surf and various Fun Runs.
Amy is a worthy nominee of the Pierre De Coubertin Award as she is not only an active participant in sport but has also given back to her sports as a volunteer coach, official and judge. She always displays exemplary sportsmanship and is a great ambassador for her sports and her school.