While the feats of our young Australian athletes are likely to steal all the headlines at the Singapore Games, the Youth Olympics will also provide them the perfect opportunity to become accustomed with other aspects of international sporting events.

The athletes participated in a media skills workshop at the pre departure camp, which equipped them with some basic skills and knowledge required to deal with the media.

Australian Handballer Alice Keighly was one of 70 athletes who attended the sessions.

“The media training was really useful. The media was one of things I wasn’t sure about before I arrived but this provided us with a lot of the skills to deal with them.”
 

As the athletes put on their uniform and made their final preparations before tomorrow’s departure, they were provided an insight into today’s consistently expanding global media landscape.

“The session taught us about the personality the media creates from the way we speak to them. It gave us the ways to be both responsible and authentic when speaking to the media.”

From Facebook and Twitter to the daily newspapers, athletes were given the information and etiquette required to help ensure they build a mutually professional and beneficial relationship with the media.

“I think the media can help my sport of handball out. I have no doubt if the media gets the word out about handball it will definitely take off in Aaustralia.”

With Channel Nine and Foxtel providing extensive coverage of the Youth Olympics for Australian viewers, the training will help to build confidence for our athletes for both Singapore 2010 and their future sporting careers.
   

Following media interviews and final training sessions the Australian team will depart for Singapore on Thursday August 12 as they prepare to do both themselves and Australia proud on the world stage.

Matt Bartolo
AOC