Australia's Olympics boss wants a Victorian Liberal-Nationals plan to force public school students to play inter-school sport to be adopted across the country.
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Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates said three pilot trials to be run with year seven students in metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria, if the coalition wins the state election in November, would be a game-changer for sport in schools.
"There is no doubt sport is being de-emphasised in schools across the country and Australia is paying a price for that," Mr Coates said in a statement on Monday.
"The consequential rise in obesity across generations is well documented, as are the other negative impacts of inactivity in young and old alike.
"The AOC has long championed the notion of sport for all, calling on governments state and federal to focus on the benefits of sport to produce a physical health benefit, a mental health and wellbeing benefit."
His comments come after Victorian opposition education spokesman Tim Smith unveiled the coalition's plan on Monday to get children moving.
"We've got a real problem in this country particularly around obesity and diabetes, we need to provide structured opportunities for kids to partake in sport," Mr Smith told reporters.
"Sport provides all kinds of life lessons - how to win, how to lose, how to play within the rules and it's those lessons that are so important to teach resilience."
The 2020 trial would see students playing sports such as netball, AFL, soccer, swimming, cricket, athletics, rugby, tennis, cycling and basketball.
The competitions would be held during school hours, costs would be paid for by the government and reviewed after one year.
In addition to using current physical education teachers, the coalition wants to use the pilot to encourage former professional athletes to establish another career such as coaching the school children.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the program would allow for all students to take part, not matter their skill level.
"As a father with kids in the state school system, I want to see inter-school sport brought back," Mr Guy said.
"It's a huge opportunity for them to focus on outdoor activities, not just e-games inside."
Australian Associated Press
