Rio Hopefuls Inspire Sydney Primary Students

The Olympics came to Forestville Public School today, as 600 Sydney students were inspired by the stories of three Olympians, all on three different Roads to Rio.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) launched its Olympic education program for the Rio Games, with 2016 Chef de Mission and Sydney 2000 Olympian, Kitty Chiller and London 2012 Olympians, Nicola Zagame and Jo Bridgen-Jones.

Sprint paddler Jo Bridgen-Jones, who is attempting to make her second Games, she it was an incredibly rewarding experience to share her Olympic story with students.

"They were all excited to hear about what's happens at the Olympics and what it was like to walk out with the team at the Opening Ceremony," Bridgen-Jones said.

As part of the education program, teachers around the country will have free access to a multitude of educational activities all aimed at encouraging young Australians to participate in sport and showcasing Olympians as community role models.

Sydney-sider, Bridgen-Jones said it’d important to teach the kids about the Olympic culture and the sacrifice and dedicate it can take to become an Olympian.

"All Olympians are hard workers, determined, committed, set goals high, and are encouraging and supportive of each other.

"These are the qualities we want to teach and pass on to the kids, as they are the future of Australia. It's more about teaching the Olympic values which create special people."

London bronze medallist, Nicola Zagame echoed her excitement about heading back to school to share her Olympic journey.

"I hope to inspire them to achieve their goals, whether that be academically, creatively or in sport," the water polo player said.

The Sydney-based athlete believes it is important to teach young Australians about the Olympic Games because of our country’s rich history and culture surrounding sport.

"The Olympics is all about bringing countries, cities and communities together to bring unity, and teaching children about these values is really important.

"We also need to educate the kids of today about health and fitness, as well as teamwork through competition, and the Olympics is an exciting example of bringing these traits to the forefront."

The 2016 Olympic Education program consists of teacher resources, Cheer for a Champ, Village Art, Chat to a Champ, Meet with a Champ and Olympic Day.

"We are thrilled to offer primary and secondary school teachers a range of learning activities themed on the Australian Olympic Team and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games," AOC Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller said.

"The activities can be used in the classroom or on the sporting field and they all demonstrate the positive impact sport can have on one’s life."

From today, primary school teachers can download for free 60 cross-curriculum lesson plans themed on the Rio Games and the 2016 Australian Olympic Team.

The resources are linked to the national curriculum and are offered across three stages of learning - lower primary, middle primary and upper primary.

Primary students can learn about the sports, venues, marketing and sustainability of the first South American Games as well as discover more about their Olympian heroes in athlete profiles and the making of the Australian team uniform.

Certain lessons also link with the ‘Learn from a Champ’ program, which contains video resources exploring what it’s like to be an Australian Olympian.

Secondary teachers and their students can explore Australia's involvement at the Olympic Games during significant historical events over the last 100 years in a new online digital resource, which can be offered in a range of e-learning environments including tablets and interactive whiteboard lessons.

The 2016 program will also feature ‘Chat to a Champ’, which facilitates the opportunity for primary school students to chat with their Olympian heroes online in web video conferencing, will be offered during term time in 2016 and then daily from London during the Games.

The popular Cheer for a Champ and Village Art programs will be offered in the first half of 2016.

With great prizes up for grabs, students are encouraged to produce a video message of support for the Team as well create artwork to hang in the Australian apartments of the Olympic Village.

The Village Art program had great success in the past with over 2000 students submitting artworks for the London 2012 Games.

The program has been widened for this year’s Games, with both primary and secondary students invited to participate in the program.

"Village Art really gives students the chance to be a part of the Australian Olympic Team and help us decorate the Rio Olympic Village," Chiller said.

"This shouldn’t be limited to just primary students, and we’re really looking forward to seeing some fantastic and inspiring pieces of art from older students."

This particular program has a special place in Chiller’s heart, who still has the artwork that hung on her wall in the Olympic Village at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

"As an athlete, I cherish the artwork that was hanging in my room in Sydney.

"I’d like to think that every athlete finds students’ creations both inspiring and supportive."

At today’s launch Chiller was reunited with the Matthew Pearce Public School student, Todd Clark who drew the artwork, 16 years ago.

"It was very special to meet Todd and thank him personally for the beautiful picture he drew when he was a student."

"It’s one of my most prized possessions.

"There is much on offer in Olympic education this year – there is something for everyone," Chiller said.

For more information, contact:

Ashleigh Knight – Education Manager

ashleigh.knight@olympics.com.au

02 9247 2000.

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