Cedars Christian College student Kya Stewart was recently presented the Pierre de Coubertin award for her sportsmanship and dedication to football.

The award is presented to talented year 11 and 12 students who display the values of the Olympic spirit both on and off the sporting field, reflecting the ideals de Coubertin hoped to foster when he created the modern Olympic Games in 1896. 

In her submission of an artistic work as part of the award, Stewart said she highlighted the Olympic flame due to the hope and unity the flame represents.

“Through my artwork,” Stewart said. “I wanted to capture the feeling of hope that the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games gave me when the Olympic torch was used to light the Olympic Cauldron. It’s my inspiration.”

The goalkeeper has displayed her prowess on the football field since she took up the sport in under nines, with her recent success culminating in a gold medal at December’s Pacific School Games in Adelaide. She is also a member of the Illawarra Stingrays first grade side.

“I have loved soccer ever since I was a little girl,” She said. “I started playing in primary school and thought it was a great sport as it brought everyone together as a team.”

“All of the teams I have played in consisted of fun and wonderful people who have definitely influenced my passion for the sport. I love soccer because of the challenges it gives, the opportunities it gives to create friendships, and the chances it gives me to develop as a player and a person.”

Principal Steve Walton said the college is proud of Stewart’s achievements.

“Kya is an amazing athlete and a wonderful student who has exhibited courage, leadership and an exemplary attitude,” Walton said. “We are incredibly proud of her and we are looking forward to hearing about the amazing things Kya will accomplish in the future.”