Thursday 13 September 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

Sarah Ulmer to Host Young Athletes at Te Papa –
Monday 17 September

Young elite athletes from intermediate schools in the Wellington region will participate in an ‘on the couch’ discussion about Drug Free Sport NZ’s youth initiative with sport star Sarah Ulmer at Te Papa on Monday 17 September commencing at 12.30pm. (Media are welcome to attend).

Drug Free Sport NZ (DSFNZ) is employing the latest technology to get the ‘Strong Enough to be Clean’ message to young athletes. People can interact via a computer display with a pair of avatar characters called Mel and Tam, voiced by Sarah Ulmer and Sam Panapa. This technology can be seen at Te Papa in The Poisoners! Solve the murder if you dare…exhibition, proudly supported by DSFNZ.

“The interactive presentation informs young people about the dangers associated with what can often equate to poisons being used in sports to gain advantage,” said Mr Andrew Sylvester, DSFNZ’s education programme manager.

“We have created Mel and Tam to be spokespeople to the next generation using the voices of some real sports stars – Sarah Ulmer and Sam Panapa,” Mr Sylvester said.

The display also promotes the stand that many New Zealand athletes, coaches and administrators have taken by signing the “Strong Enough to be Clean” pledge. Again, DFSNZ has adopted the latest technology. Christchurch developer IT Link has created a programme that allows those wishing to sign the pledge to read it on a palmtop device, sign their name and then see their names appear as pledged sportspeople on the DFSNZ website within minutes.

Those who have signed the pledge earn the right to wear the pledge armband – seen frequently on many sports stars, from developing young athletes, through to the All Blacks who are competing at the World Cup in France this month. Over 2500 people have committed to the pledge.

ENDS