Media Release
The Australian Experience of Sport and War on Show at State Library of Victoria
8 July 2008
Mateship in war and a passion for sport are defining traits of Australia’s cultural heritage. Our experiences of both have helped to shape the national identity for more than one hundred years. A special travelling exhibition from the Australian War Memorial, Sport and War, combines the two themes to highlight the long association between sport and war in our history and trace how our wartime experiences are reflected in modern sporting events.
The exhibition, which opens today at the State Library Victoria, features remarkable personal stories of famous sporting personalities whose lives and careers were affected by war and, in some cases, tragically ended by it. These include Keith Miller, 'Bluey' Truscott, Les Darcy, Bert Oldfield, Ron Barassi Snr, Harold Hardwick, Don Bradman as well as a host of perhaps lesser known sporting personalities, such as Cecil Healy, Thelma Long, Betty Archdale and Tom Richards.
Sport and War highlights the similarities between our best sportsmen and women and those who serve our country. It shows how war has changed favourite Australian sports and those who have played them, paying special tribute to those stars who went to war and lost their lives.
The exhibition shows that despite the tragedy and suffering experienced by many in war, sport has provided servicemen and women exercise and cheap entertainment, a sense of teamwork and bonding, and an antidote to tension and boredom.
On display are key relics from wartime sporting history such as the little-known wartime medals of Don Bradman, the cricket cap worn by Keith Miller and a handmade Melbourne Cup crafted by prisoners of war in Borneo.
The exhibition also features video interviews with Australian sportsmen and women sharing their reflections on the interplay between sport and war.
Sport and War will be at the State Library Victoria from 11 July 2008 to 26 October 2008.
To find out more and to explore the exhibition events program visit the Sport and War webpage.
Sport and War: An Australian War Memorial travelling exhibition
11 July–26 October, 10am–5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays)
Keith Murdoch Gallery, State Library of Victoria
Free
Media enquiries
Matthew van Hasselt
Media relations coordinator
State Library of Victoria
Ph: 03 8664 7263
Email: mvanhasselt@slv.vic.gov.au
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