A PANEL of prominent sporting identities discussing pros and cons of modern sport proved a winning formula at a community forum held at the parish of Saints Peter and Paul, Bulimba recently.
More than 60 people were drawn to the October 15 forum, discussing issues raised in the Australian Catholic bishops’ annual social justice statement, A Crown for Australia: Striving for the Best in Our Sporting Nation.
The forum’s panel comprised Rugby League great Wally Lewis, former Broncos chief executive officer Broncos Bruno Cullen, former Bronco, Queensland State of Origin player and Kangaroos player Tony Currie, former world record holder in rowing, triathlete and teacher at Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School Sallie Callie and former Commonwealth Games gold medal athlete and teacher at Iona College, Lindum Gary Brown.
Saints Peter and Paul social justice group facilitator Veronica Corcoran opened the night with a discussion of the bishops’ 2014 social justice statement.
Mr Cullen was the forum moderator.
Ms Corcoran said parish priest Fr Tom Elich was impressed with the effort panel members had put into reading the bishops’ statement.
“The discussion mainly focussed on the positives of sport such as health and teamwork,” she said.
“However, there was also talk about less positive aspects of modern sport such as marginalised people not being able to afford the money to let their children take part in sport.
“We heard a fair bit about the state of play in modern rugby league because there were three representatives of the sport on the panel.
“Things were seen as not so good now as when they started playing.
“Back then there was not the same emphasis on money and sponsorship.”
This led on to discussions on amateur and women’s sport and how they are often unfairly overlooked, Ms Corcoran said.
“For example rowing, because it’s an amateur sport, doesn’t get the same publicity even though competitors work just as hard,” she said.
