Twenty years since the ‘best Games ever’ inspired the nation, more than 800 year 10-12 students across the nation will be recognised as Australian Olympic Change-Makers today for inspiring their community and using sport to make positive change within their schools.
From designing online programs to keep their classmates active and connected during COVID-19 to breaking down gender and physical barriers in their schools, the award winners representing every state and territory have demonstrated leadership and created a positive change for their community.
In the Change-Maker program’s second year, physical state-based forums for award winners have been replaced with a national online forum, with 810 winners connecting in today on a livestream to share their award celebrations and hear from seven Olympians, including Sydney 2000 hurdler Kyle Vander Kuyp and Olympic champions Chloe Dalton and Brooke Hanson.
AOC CEO Matt Carroll said the 2020 Australian Olympic Change-Makers embody the Olympic spirit.
"The Olympic Movement aims to build a better world through the power of sport so it’s incredible to see the impact of the 810 young Australians acknowledged today as Olympic Change-Makers," Mr Carroll said.
"These young leaders have not only met the challenges 2020 has put in their way, but have shown the power of sport to make a difference in their communities to stay connected, active and motivated.
"I congratulate all of today’s recipients and look forward to following your journey as you continue to promote positive change. The Olympic spirit is alive and well with young leaders like this."
Hosted by Olympic champion swimmer Brooke Hanson and featuring Kyle Vander Kuyp, Melissa Wu, Taliqua Clancy, Chloe Dalton, Steve Solomon and Beki Smith, the livestream will see students share in their award celebration and showcase the impact the Olympic movement can have in communities around the country.
Athens 2004 gold and silver medallist Hanson said the Change-Makers are powerful reminders of the difference young Australians can make.
"These young Australians are having an incredible impact on their school and wider community by embracing the Olympic values of striving for excellence, friendship, respect and responsibility," Ms Hanson said. "The modern, youthful ideas they create to motivate those around them and lead change within their community is what the Olympic spirit is all about.
"I’m personally inspired by the Change-Makers to continue to drive change through my own voice, actions and leadership. The passion and commitment these students have will help change lives and that’s more important than winning to me."
You can catch the event livestream from 12.30pm AEST here.
State Breakdown of 2020 Australian Olympic Change-Makers
ACT
37
NSW
300
NT
8
QLD
185
SA
40
TAS
43
VIC
162
WA
38
For further information on Australian Olympic Change-Maker recipients and athlete interview requests, please contact Dom Sullivan at the AOC on 0421 423 582 or at dominic.sullivan@olympics.com.au.
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