Image: Olympics Unleashed
South Australian high school students will soon receive classroom lessons from Olympians as part of a statewide program designed to inspire young people to get active, build confidence and set goals.
Olympics Unleashed connects schools with Olympians and elite athletes, who share their personal stories and the lessons they have learned through sport to help students apply the same themes to their own lives.
The free program is available to every public and private high school in South Australia, with a focus on students in Years 7 to 9. It is expected to reach around 200 schools and 30,000 students by the end of 2027.
Olympians will also deliver presentations at up to 50 School Sport SA events over the next two years.
A roster of 40 South Australian Olympians and South Australian Sports Institute athletes will be involved, including three-time Olympian marathon runner Jessica Stenson and local athlete Isobel Batt-Doyle.
Morialta Secondary College is among more than 30 schools already signed up to take part, with regional visits also planned for Millicent High School, Renmark High School, Minlaton High School, Cowell Area School and Victor Harbor High School.
The program aligns with the state curriculum and supports students’ mental and physical wellbeing. It also forms part of the state government’s broader plan to get children off screens, which includes mandatory active learning during school time and free activities before and after school.
Minister for Education, Training and Skills Lucy Hood said the program would give students the chance to learn from some of the country’s most inspiring athletes.
“We know active kids perform better in the classroom and what better way to be inspired than learning from our Olympians.
“Students will discover the power of hard work and determination to achieve their dreams, whether that’s on the sporting field or in a future career.
“Opening up this program to every high school across the state ensures young South Australians can unleash their potential, regardless of where they live.”
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Rhiannon Pearce said the program would bring the Olympic spirit directly into South Australian classrooms.
“The Olympics represent the highest pinnacle of sporting excellence and fair play and I’m so pleased South Australian school students have this opportunity to meet our nation’s Olympians.
“Over the next two years, I hope to see many South Australian school children enthralled and inspired by these amazing athletes and their stories.”
Australian Olympic Committee CEO Mark Arbib said Olympics Unleashed helps students dream big across all areas of life.
“Our Olympians show the world what Australians are capable of, and Olympics Unleashed helps to teach thousands of schoolkids to dream big in everything that they do – whether it is sport, music, drama or their studies – and that is the power of the Olympics.”
Established in 2018, Olympics Unleashed has reached more than 630,000 students nationally across 4,300 school visits.
Schools can register to take part in Olympics Unleashed online.
