Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink has become the first Australian to send a Telstra HeroMessage to athletes competing at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Hiddink, a sporting hero himself after inspiring the Socceroos to their first World Cup finals berth in more than 30 years, sent a message of support to pool and track stars Giaan Rooney, Matt Welsh, Joshua Ross and Sarah Jamieson.
The Telstra HeroMessage, a mainstay of elite sporting competition for more than 15 years, allows fans to send a message of support and congratulations to Australia’s champion athletes.
"Telstra HeroMessage offers Australians the unique opportunity to creatively capture their enthusiasm and support for our Athletic Heroes in pictures, videos or words," Telstra’s David Moffatt said.
"Telstra HeroMessage will help communities who can’t be at live events magnify the support the Athletes will receive whether at the pool deck, in the stadium, or wherever they compete."
Sports psychologists agree HeroMessages can have a positive effect on athletes warming up for events, providing them with emotional support and inspiration.
And Commonwealth Games swimming champion Matt Welsh agrees.
"There is no greater motivation than receiving inspiring words of encouragement from Australians who want you to achieve your best,” he said. “The added value of seeing and hearing these sentiments from people all over the country will be fantastic.”
For the first time fans will also be able to send their Telstra HeroMessage by picture and video.
To send an message of support, you can:
- Head to www.heromessage.telstra.com
- Send a text, picture or video message, along with the athlete’s name to 0428 MY HERO (0428 694 376)
- Call 0427MYHERO (0427 694 376) for standard voice or 3G video calls
For more information, visit the Heromessage section of this Website.