Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator the Hon. George Brandis SC today congratulated the Australian Institute of Sport’s Cricket Centre of Excellence on its 20th anniversary.

Senator Brandis today passed on the congratulations of Prime Minister John Howard at the celebration attended by Australian cricket captains, Ricky Ponting and Karen Rolton, Glenn McGrath, Shane Watson, Lisa Stalekar, as well as Cricket Australia Chairman Creagh O’Connor and Australian Sports Commission Chairman Peter Bartels.

“The Australian Government is very proud of its involvement with Cricket Australia in the AIS Cricket Centre of Excellence which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,” Senator Brandis said.

“The Centre has been integral in the continued success of both men’s and women’s Australian cricket.

“Since 1987, 265 male cricketers have gone through the rigorous training regime at the Academy with 43 of them going to represent Australia at the highest level.

“At the anniversary celebration today were three of the most successful graduates - Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath and Shane Watson, as well as many future stars.

“The AIS women’s program started during 2000/01 season with 33 of the 44 scholarship recipients representing Australia.

“The Australian Government is committed to building on Australia’s international sporting success, particularly in cricket,” Senator Brandis said.

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

6 August 2007

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