Ambassadors

The program ambassadors are Minister for Education and Training, The Hon Verity Firth MP, Ironman Champion Guy Leech, Sydney Swans Star Ryan O Keefe and Champion Australian Cyclist Patrick Jonker. Find out what they have to say about the program and why they encourage you to register your school.

The Hon Verity Firth MP, Minister for Education and Training

We would like to acknowledge the Hon Verity Firth, Minister for Education and Training as the ambassador of the schools program.

The program was officially launched by Verity in March 2008 on National Ride2School Day. 

Verity's support for the program highlights the importance of students taking every opportunity to make positive choices for the environment and their health. The program aims to encourage healthy behaviours at a young age and emphasises the need to educate today's children so that the adults of tomorrow live in a greener, healthier society.

AFL Star Ryan O’Keefe

An AFL superstar, Ryan O Keefe, is one of the Sydney Swans’ key forwards. Ryan is known for his superb fitness and running ability. He has become involved with the schools program because he is aware of the importance of taking every opportunity to fit physical activity into a daily routine. “I rode my bike to school almost every day and believe it helped me to develop my fitness and strength, giving me the edge on the footy field” Ryan’s association with Bicycle NSW highlights the importance of the program in developing behavioral choices for a healthy body and cleaner environment. “Registering with Bicycle NSW allows more students to benefit from riding or walking all or part of the school journey, the program addresses the key issues and barriers that both students and parents face”

Ironman Champion Guy Leech

Over 100 children rode their bikes into school and many more came on their scooters, skateboards and on foot at Kurnell Public School to celebrate Guy Leech becoming an ambassador.

“Choosing to ride your bike, scooter, skateboard or walk rather than sit in the car is a fantastic way to get active, keep strong and have fun” says Guy, “Being involved in the program is an excellent way to promote healthy and active living to your students”

Guy has won an amazing seven Uncle Toby’s Iron Man Championships in the event many believed to be the ultimate test of fitness. He won the Australian Marathon swimming race, represented his country in still water swimming and triumphed in his only attempt at Molokai, Hawaii’s grueling world ocean kayaking championship over 56km’s. In 1994 Guy was crowned Australia’s fittest athlete by the Australian Institute of Sport over elite athletes from our highest profile sports.

Guy has recently founded his "World of Fitness" company and now helps others to get fit. He feels very passionately about Australia and is going to do all he can to address the health issues that are affecting kids and adults in this country like never before - obesity and heart disease to name a couple.

Over the course of the program Guy will be visiting schools that make a significant contribution to the promotion and awareness of active travel.

Champion Australian Cyclist Patrick Jonker

Patrick Jonker is one of Australia’s champion cyclists with a career spanning 12 years on the professional circuit. He competed in the Tour de France 5 times between the years 1994 to 1999 and had a best placing of 12th overall in 1996, standing to be the 4th best all time result from an Australian. Racing all over Europe, the Mediterranean and Australia and partnering some of the world’s finest Cyclists, including Lance Armstrong, Patrick won a total of 15 pro races. He retired in 2004 after taking out the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under and ending his career on a high.

Patrick understands the importance of being active from an early age.

Being strong, fit and healthy is not just an important part of a professional athlete’s life, it’s important for everyone at every age.’’

Educating kids about the importance of being active and making a cleaner environment instills a sense of responsibility that they will need to use later in life. A perfect way for kids to get moving is by riding their bikes. This also means fewer cars on the road and a cleaner, greener environment.

Patrick supports the schools program because he wants kids to achieve their dreams and goals. Being active not only positively impacts your body and physical health it also has a positive impact on your mental health.

 “Feeling healthy and strong gives you an amazing outlook on life and a sense of knowing that anything is possible”