A new program is taking athletes into schools across Canberra to inspire and motivate students to unleash their potential – whether that’s in the classroom, the playground, the sporting field or at home.
The ACT Government has partnered with the Australian Olympic Committee for the Olympics Unleashed program, which will bring more than 30 Olympians and athletes aspiring for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics into 135 primary and secondary schools over the next 12 months to share their stories and life lessons.
Through engaging 45-minute presentations, athletes will cover topics such as self-awareness, focus and motivation and promote the benefits of living an active, healthy and balanced lifestyle.
According to Matt Carroll AM, CEO Australian Olympic Committee, Olympians have inspiring stories that go beyond sport.
“They bring to life the importance of finding a passion, setting goals and building resilience to overcome challenges,” he said. “An Olympic journey is never a straight line – having athletes sharing their stories, including the challenges and how they overcame them, is a vital lesson that can help young people no matter what their passion.”
ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry, said it’s important for young people to have access to elite athletes and community role models through programs like Olympics Unleashed “because you can’t be what you can’t see”.
The program was launched at Ainslie School on Friday 16 August with Australian basketballer Marianna Tolo and former Australian hockey player Louise Dobson in attendance.
For Ms Tolo, the program provides an opportunity to “give back to this community that has given me so much”.
“I hope my story can show students that it doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, if you keep turning up and working hard you can achieve anything you set your mind to – whether that’s sport, academics, music, whatever you set your mind to. If you keep turning up, you’ll get better every day.”
Schools can register at olympicsunleashed.com.au
