Olympians Celebrate Century of Schools For Olympics Unleashed
More than 23 000 students have been inspired by Olympians and Paralympians as the Olympics Unleashed program celebrated its 100th school visit on at Elanora State School this week.
Rio 2016 Olympian and 2017 World Champion kayaker Alyce Burnett, an Elanora local, was excited to visit her local school to bring up 100 schools for Unleashed.
“It’s been incredible to be able to visit students across Queensland and see the impact sharing our story can have,” Burnett said.
“Every visit I’ve had such a great reaction, with the students wanting to know how they can be their best and how to overcome challenges – it really inspires me to work even harder for my next big event.
“As an athlete sometimes we’re in a bubble, and it can be such a hard slog. But seeing how our story of hard work, persistence and trying to be our personal best can have on kids across Queensland really puts it into perspective.
“There were quite a few budding kayakers in the class today as well which I always love to see!”
Burnett has been visiting schools all over the South East of Queensland over the last few weeks since the Olympics Unleashed program started at the beginning of this term. Amongst others, Burnett visited St Hildas, The Southport School, Mother Theresa Primary as well as Benowa SS.
The $1.34 million program, launched in September, has taken Olympians, Paralympians and athletes aspiring for Tokyo 2020 into Queensland classrooms to inspire students to overcome challenges and find their passion.
AOC Chief Executive Matt Carroll said athletes can help inspire future generations to follow their passion.
“Olympians have stories that transcend sport – stories about hard work, dedication and showing resilience to overcome incredible challenges,” Carroll said.
“This has a real impact on students and can inspire them to be their own personal best – on the sporting field, at school and at home.
“With 100 visits this term and more than 250 visits from Cape York to Coolangatta already booked in for next year, we’re proud to see the impact Olympians can have right across Queensland.”
The program, delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government, will inspire students from years 4 to 6 right up until the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
Queensland primary schools can register for the Olympics Unleashed program at register.olympicsunleashed.com.au.
