Opening of Peninsula School Sport Regional 14 Years and Under Boys Cricket Championships

Thank you Kirk for your warm welcome and introduction. I acknowledge Councilor Max O’Halloran and wish a very good morning to all distinguished guests, boys, parents, families and friends gathered here today for the Peninsula School Sport Regional 14Yr Boys Cricket Championships.

Kaye and I are so pleased to be with you all this morning and I must make special mention of Genesis Uelese for his         performance of the National Anthem just now – very well done.

Congratulations to Peninsula School Sport for all you do in      fostering the sporting endeavours of young people in the Far North of Queensland through events like today.

And what an impressive group of young people we have here.

I have no doubt these championships will be contested with all the athleticism and determination demonstrated by those other Northern Queensland sporting stars the whole country has been hearing so much about lately.

Some of you might ask why I am here.  Well, I am the     Queensland Governor, your Governor, and that means I am the representative here of Queen Elizabeth the Second, our Head of State.

Part of my role as Governor is to travel around Queensland,     including to all regions, towns and remote communities, to meet with people, to listen, encourage them to do their best, and to say thank you for making our State such a great place to live in.

That’s why we are so excited to be in Cairns, and particularly, to be here to open this championship event and encourage all of the participating boys to do their very best.

So, set your sights high boys and give it all you’ve got. You just never know how far you can go until you try.  Don’t forget to be gracious in both victory and defeat and remember the efforts of those who support you most - your wonderful parents, friends, and dedicated coaches and teachers.

Have a wonderful championship event.