By ANEEKA SIMONIS
NOT many 12-year-olds can say they have written a book.
But go-getter Dylan Beaumont, a student at Beaconhills College in Berwick, has added that achievement to his portfolio of milestone moments including interviewing a number of high-profile sports commentators.
The Grade 6 student from Berwick recently launched his own e-book, BallSports, which includes video footage, guides, slideshows, all the ‘wow’ moments in sport along with several exclusive interviewed with Australia’s leading sport commentators.
Among the sport commentators that sat down for a one-to-one with the ambitious 12-year-old was AFL presenter Sandy Roberts.
The sporting identity, who made a guest appearance at the school on Tuesday 17 November to help launch the book, said he had fielded a number of interview requests during his career, but Dylan was the “most enthusiastic”.
“For someone of your age to put together the interviews, the variety you provided and the depth you went into, you should be commended,” he said.
In addition to Mr Roberts, Dylan interviewed a host of other household names including Stephen Quartermain, Mark Howard and Hamish McLachlan for his e-book which was dreamt up months ago by the keen sports fan.
Dylan spent nine months working on the e-book which landed him first place in the Years 5-6 category at the Young Explorers ICT competition held on 29 August at Monash University.
But Dylan’s story is more than one of hard-work and achievement – it is also one of resilience and determination.
He had first entered the competition a year earlier with a more basic book.
Sadly, he did not place in the competition.
Dylan said he felt disappointed by the result – but it was that experience that inspired him to get started on his award-winning book which has been sold in eight countries.
“I wanted to make something bigger and better so I decided on an e-book.
“I didn’t think I was even going to place (in the 2015 competition) then when they said I came first I was blown away,” Dylan said.
Mr Roberts was impressed by Dylan’s effort and how he provided advice to fellow students who were aiming for a career as a sports commentator.
“Do your homework and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions!”
Dylan’s mother Melinda Beaumont was pleased her son’s hard work payed off, with more than 20 copies having already been sold.
“It’s such a wonderful book. I was a little blown away myself that he had completed this at such a high level. I am so proud of him,” she said.
Asked where to from here, Dylan suggested the sky was the limit.
“I might make a website and blog about sports. I want to be a sports commentator.”
BallSports is available for $2.99 through i-books, with a portion of the proceeds of each book sold donated to the Beehive Foundation which helps young people build resilience, self-esteem and confidence.
