“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow,” says Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, “it is important to inspire and prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead”.
Since his first-class debut in 1995, Brett Lee has become one of the fastest bowlers in the world and one of Australia’s most inspirational young sport stars. He picked up 5 wickets in his test debut against India in the Boxing Day Test 1999, and has never looked back.
Hailing from Wollongong, Brett played for the New South Wales Blues alongside his brother, Shane, a one-day international all rounder, before bursting onto the international cricket scene in 1999. His fast right arm bowling style has made him one of the brightest stars of international cricket but he still finds time to be in a band with some of his Blues teammates.
Brett feels very passionate about being an Ambassador for National Youth Week as it gives him the chance to share his views on a cause that is close to his heart.
“Shane and I have both been affected by the suicide of a close friend,” he says, “since this happened we feel very strongly about reducing the number of youth suicides”.
He continues, “we have headed up the New Day Foundation which tries to focus on providing young people with confidence and the ability to overcome every day challenges”.
Talking about his recent disappointment at being named the twelfth man in The Ashes 2002, he comments, “we all suffer setbacks but I believe that they make you stronger”.
Brett believes that young people today should be positive and think of all the great opportunities available. He advises, “there is so much on offer. We can travel more, focus on different careers and with the support of others we can take on the world”.