Below is a nice story provided to QRL.com.au which features Maroons coach Kevin Walters sharing the Queensland spirit in the community.
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When Boondall State School teacher Michael Nunn trying to think of a person who would be a good role model for his students – a person that typified effort and persistence; one name kept coming to mind.
That name was Kevin Walters, the coach of the Queensland Maroons.
Since 2001; he has been at the helm at Toowoomba, Ipswich, France, Melbourne, Newcastle and Brisbane before landing his dream job coaching the Queensland Origin team.
Mr Nunn has been aiming to improve the reading levels of his Year 2 students; and thought their reading goals matched up well with the journey Walters has taken in the coaching world; where perseverance and good effort has brought about success.
From this idea, the “Kevin Walters Award” for persistence and effort in increasing reading level was born.
Earlier this year, Mr Nunn promised his class that the students who increased their reading level the most this year would also receive a special presentation from the respected coach and Walters gladly made the effort visit Boondall this week to talk to the students and present his own academic award.
Walters spoke to the students about effort, about how things are never easy and the relationship between school and sport; sharing that they both require effort and persistence.
The joy Walters gains from Queenslanders do well is evident in his speech; he just wants Queenslanders to perform; whether it is in reading, the arts or sport.
One of the certificates for handed out for effort. Photo: supplied
Walters spoke with passion about the Maroons and the players and staff who make it such a special group.
He highlighted to the students how champions like Billy Slater, Cam Smith and Cooper Cronk put in an immense effort at training and are there long after their training sessions to continue working hard and improving in their own time.
Walters showed the Boondall students a game-worn Queensland jumper and explained why it is special and the effort required to earn the right to wear one.
He then presented the four students who increased their reading level by the most with their award and had their photo taken with the students.
During question time, a student asked if he liked coaching the Queensland team and he answered with the passion all Maroons fans has come to expect.
“I don’t like it I love it. It’s my perfect job!”
