Queensland Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce has today congratulated all participants in the Queensland Cross Country Championships being held in Yeppoon.

Senator Joyce, whose daughter also ran in the competition, was very impressed by the sporting ability of such a large group of children.

“I was also very happy see the great sportsmanship displayed by the children involved. Their parents should be very proud - I was,” Senator Joyce said.

Senator Joyce had the opportunity to present several awards following the day’s competition.

Some of these included:

 Patrick Tiernan for an individual sporting excellence
 South West for overall points per population achievement
 South Coast for Relays and overall Champions

The Senator was especially impressed by the athletic ability of Freddy Ovett, son of Steve Ovett, the English middle-distance runner and gold medallist in the 800m at the 1980 Olympics.

“The bar was set pretty high today and, for the sake of Australia’s sporting future, I hope these talented youngsters keep it up,” Senator Joyce said.