Country urged to compete consistently

Caption:  Lauren Jackson

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, June 12, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

SINCE taking the title as the best in the sporting country in the Pacific- Australian Basketball legend Lauren Jackson has urged the country to compete consistently internationally to make its mark.

She said any opportunity to showcase the country was great in a competitive region in the pacific.

The Australian Basketballer was the guest speaker at the 24th SP Sport Awards held last week.

“Take every opportunity as they come. I think you know you can are obviously making your mark which is great,” she said.

“I think you have so many great countries around you that are fighting for those spots as well- I think just getting out there and competing as much as you possibly can.”

“Also whilst having the right resources like looking after your body, sports medicine, that’s really important to help you evolve as a sporting nation.”

The Australian sporting icon also gave a word of advice to young girls looking to achieve their dreams in sport.

“Take every opportunity as they come- goes for every athlete, but in particular women, it is a lot harder for a woman to make a professional living playing sport so if you get that opportunity to go overseas to Europe, America- take it. You have to.”

Jackson added that the real power of sport is in its humanity.

“It is what brings people together, it is a forum free of violence, free of hatred, free of religion, free of politics- it is just sport that brings people together to compete against the best in the world.”

The basketballer is the first Australian in history to be selected as the first overall pick in the International overall draft and an All-Star in her first WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) season in the US.

In 2003 she was named MVP (Most Valuable Player) in the WNBA making her the youngest player to receive this award and the first non-American.

In 2012 she named flag barrier in London Olympics, 2016 announced her retirement and is highly sought after for her insights into the sport of basketball.