Chapter 1 : Sport In Australia

The idea of producing a selection of Australian sports quotes was based on the apparent lack of this type of resource on the internet. Only a few books of Australian sports quotes and sports stories have been produced in the past few years and although interesting these did not cover a wide variety of topics.

The quotes and information outlined here have been collected over a number of years. Many of these have been used in teaching programs or as a resource for interested people. It is possible to appreciate the information presented even if you are not a sports fan or do not have much knowledge about Australia .

The idea is to add to and continually refine the information offered – a dynamic offering. This will mean that some quotes will be added and others might be deleted. There is an almost endless amount of sources to draw from and the presented information has been selected as representative of different aspects rather than the best available.

Comments regarding the suitability of quotes as well as corrections and additions are welcomed in an attempt to present a worthwhile reference point on Australian sport.

Index

Chapter 1: SPORT IN AUSTRALIA

- Australian Identity

- Australian Sport

Chapter 2: NATIONALISM

- National Pride and Expectations

- Myths

- Anti-Sport

Chapter 3: A SPORTING LIFE

- Success

- Sport in Perspective

- Dramatic Moments

- Controversy

- Sadness

- Retirement

Chapter 4: SIMPLY THE BEST

- Champions

- Heroes

- Olympics and Commonwealth Games

Chapter 5: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

- Winning

- Losing

- Rivalry

- Cheating

- Drugs

Chapter 6: THE NATIONAL SPORTS

- Cricket

- Football Codes (Rugby League, Rugby Union , Australian Football, Soccer)

Chapter 7: MEN, WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PARENTS

- Boys

- Women

- Children

- Parents

Chapter 8: ‘CONVENIENTLY OVERLOOKED'

- Politics

- Religion

- Indigenous Australians

- Disabled Sportspeople

Chapter 9: THE ‘NECESSITIES' OF SPORT

Chapter 10: SPORTING EXTRAS

Chapter 11: THE ‘BUSINESS' OF SPORT

- Media

Chapter 12: SPORTS INFORMATION

- Sports Polls

- Participation

- Fitness

Chapter 13: PUTTING YOUR BODY ON THE LINE

- Violence and Aggression

- War and Sport

- Injury

Chapter 14: TALKING SPORT

- Humour

- Commentators

- Sporting Expressions

- Arts and Sport

- Sporting Poetry and Songs

Sport in Australia just might be more deeply and meaningfully cultural than in any other country in the world.

There is no denying that sport (as an important socio-cultural activity) is an integral part of Australian life. The purpose of Aussie Sport Quotes is to present a selection of quotes which relate to various aspects. Put together they give some explanation of the scope and nature of sport in Australia .

• The quotes come from books, newspapers, television, and comments from personal interviews and conversations with individuals.

• It is important to recognise that there has been no attempt to present a particular point of view regarding the sporting cultural identity of Australians.

• Attempts have been made to acknowledge sources and to be reasonably accurate regarding the information presented. This was done with consideration of the purpose of this information and the possible use of information.

• Efforts were made to consult with and receive feedback from a cross-section of people (sports fans and people who are anti-sports). Various people were also approached for their support to develop the site.

• The several hundred quotes presented here give a general overview of the issues related to sport and physical activity in Australia . It is hoped to refine the current list and add more quotes in the future if this offering proves to be successful.

Ken Edwards