TEAM SPIRIT: Sport is a shared passion for Healesville’s Armstrong family, Lana, Debbie and Bryce.By KATH GANNAWAY
WITH mother Debbie, daughter Lana, 16, and son Bryce 18 all involved in different sports at an elite level, conversation around the Armstrong dinner table is often about the logistics of who’s picking up who, what time, and where.
Debbie, a former state netball representative, has been selected to coach the Under 21 Victorian team training to compete in the Open Nationals in Canberra in September.
Lana has just returned from Adelaide where she captained the Under 19 State Volleyball ‘B’ team and Bryce is just back from the national gymnastics competitions where he represented Victoria at level 9, just a level below Olympic standard.
Debbie said sport was a huge part of the family’s lifestyle. “My husband and I are both physical education teachers and value sport and competition. Both Lana and Bryce have chosen outdoor education as a year 12 subject and we encourage them to participate at their highest possible level, and support them in achieving that.”
Bryce has represented Victoria in three sports diving, volleyball and gymnastics and Lana plays state league netball as well as volleyball … when she is not competing in the equestrian arena.
For Debbie, who has been involved in netball as a player and coach for around 30 years, it will be her last opportunity to coach the Open National Under 21 competition which she said would not be held in the future in its present form.
“It will be nice to be involved at the end of something I think is really important and have really valued over my netball career,” she said.
While the different sporting interests, and all the training involved, makes for a busy lifestyle, Debbie says it is something they all love and which she believes provides valuable life lessons.
“As mother and teacher I think sport has thrown up so many challenges and the kids have learnt a lot about themselves , other people and how people react in certain situations. Those experiences are far more valuable than being in a state team,” she said.
Debbie said another positive, which has flowed from their sporting involvement is the support they have received from the Healesville community.
“It can cost a fortune to represent your state and right from the time the children were quite young the community has been very supportive with any fundraising. We have also had great support from the Healesville Community Market and the Lions Club.”
