Paralympian Louise Sauvage OAM spoke to students about her role as assistant coach of NSW Institute of Sport’s wheelchair track and road program as well as the differences in training for elite and amateur athletes.

“I brought a lot of props and things to show (the students),” Louise said.

Louise joined physiotherapist Aaron Bayley, Aboriginal health promotion officer Michelle Wilkes and Hunter New England Health’s Graham Fazio and Meghan McDonald to speak about sports medicine and rehab, equity in health, improving sport performance, health priorities and sport medicine.

“I suppose it’s important to hear from a lot of different people.

“Different people and what jobs they do and also how they are involved and what skills they have in those jobs and what opportunities they may look into.

“It’s obviously difficult if you don’t live in the big cities so I think it is important that people come out and share their experiences.

“Whether you stay in the country or you don’t stay in the country, there’s lot of opportunities in different places within Australia.

“The world’s your oyster to a certain extent but it’s important to really think that there is more out there,” Louise said. 

Louise won a plethora of medals in women’s wheelchair racing at Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2004.

“I’ve been to four Paralympics as an athlete and now three as a coach so I’ve been involved with my chosen sport for a very long time and hopefully giving back to the sport that has given me so much,” Louise said.

Chatham High School PD/H/PE teacher Jenny Fotheringham highlighted the importance of having high profile professionals speak to students.

“It gives country kids the opportunity to gain a first-hand experience,” Jenny said.

“It will hopefully help with their HSC results.”

Bulahdelah Central School, Wingham High School and Taree High School students also attended the event.