By Jamie Salter
Berwick’s para-triathlete Jack Howell has been selected to take part in this year’s Australian Olympic Change-Maker program.
Australian Olympic Change-Maker was set up by the Australian Olympic Committee to recognise and encourage young leaders to use sport as a catalyst for driving change in their communities.
A National Summit takes engages Australia’s youth to play a more critical role in the future direction of the Australia Olympic movement.
A panel of Olympians selected 23 students who are already making an impact in their local communities to take part in the virtual National Summit alongside Olympians Brooke Hanson, Cate Campbell, Zac Stubblety-Cook, Jemima Montag, Matt Denny, Sam Fricker and Melissa Tapper.
Jack’s mum Therese Howell said to be one of 23 selected in Australia was a high honour.
“Jack’s school Kambrya College nominated him for being sports and community minded – as a person with a disability, he’s been part of a number of projects in the community,” she said.
Jack was born with Symbrachydactyly, a congenital absence of the left hand, and was the only para-triathlete selected for the program.
“He added the ‘para’ to Olympic Change-Maker Program,” Therese said.
“It’s encouraged him to see the other side of sport and its ability to influence other areas of community.”
Jack aims to compete in the para-triathlon at the Paris Paralympics in 2024.
Kambrya College principal Keith Perry said the school was inspired by Jack’s perseverance.
“Not only has Jack been an amazing athlete, he’s also an inspiration to students and staff alike,” Mr Perry said.
“We’ve been in awe of his determination to overcome adversity and he’s proven that disability is no barrier.”
AOC chief executive officer Matt Carroll AM said the Australian Olympic Change-Maker program was a key AOC initiative for the Olympic movement in Australia.
“By consistently connecting and engaging with young people we can influence the entire community to experience the lifelong benefits of sport,” Mr Carroll said.
“Therefore, it’s absolutely vital that the Olympic movement speaks through the voice of youth.”
Olympic Gold and Silver Medallist and host of Australian Olympic Change-Maker Brooke Hanson OAM OLY spoke about the high quality of applications to the program.
“The response to our Australian Olympic Change-Maker Program this year has been exceptional, not only have we received more interest than ever, but the responses have been remarkable,” she said.
“Our panel of Olympians really had their work cut out for them in selecting the final candidates to attend this year’s summit.
“I truly believe that the Olympic movement is in great hands with this group of brilliant, enthusiastic and highly motivated students to help guide decision making on some really critical issues.”
