In the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics, the race is on to award Queensland's top high school sporting achievers who exemplify the Olympic ideals of sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play.Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today announced the opening of nominations for the national 2008 Pierre de Coubertin Awards for Secondary Schools, with the official launch at Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School on the Gold Coast.

"Today's ceremony marked the first of four official launches of these prestigious awards throughout Queensland," Mr Welford said. "In this Olympic year and Year of Physical Activity, I encourage all secondary schools throughout the Gold Coast region to nominate sporting leaders from Years 10 -12.

"The Pierre de Coubertin Awards recognise more than just sporting prowess, they celebrate those who strive to achieve their personal best through the Olympic ideals of egalitarianism, dedication, effort, fairness, teamwork and chivalry."The awards applaud the individual qualities and talents of Queensland's secondary students while encouraging a healthy lifestyle through sport."

Mr Welford said the awards aremanaged in Queensland by the Queensland Olympic Council and supported by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts. "Award nominees must have represented their school, district, or region in Years 8 -12 as participants in at least three sports in the competitive arena, demonstrating initiative, teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play," Mr Welford said.

"They are also required to submit an original piece of literary, visual or musical work that illustrates their appreciation of the Olympic movement." Member for Burleigh, Christine Smith, represented Mr Welford at today's ceremony which was also attended by Olympian Bronwyn Thompson, whose achievements include representing Australia in long jump at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

"Our Government is pleased to support these important awards, which recognise students who exemplify the Olympic ideals," Mrs Smith said.

Award nominations close on Tuesday 6 May 2008.

For further information about the 2008 Pierre de Coubertin Awards, please contact Monica Klysz at the Queensland Olympic Council on (07) 3349 4626 or http://corporate.olympics.com.au/qld/