Olympics Unleashed officially arrived in Western Australia with the official launch of the program kicking off at Ashburton Drive Primary School with Nina Kennedy and Nat Burton.
Students celebrated the occasion with WAIS pole vaulter, Nina Kennedy who this year has set a new Australian Record on route to selection for the Tokyo Olympic Games, alongside four time Olympian and former professional basketballer, Andrew Vlahov and Rio 2016 Olympian, Natalie Burton.
The program is set to run initially for one-year in WA and is geared to help students understand how to overcome life’s obstacles, set goals, and build vital self-confidence. Athletes will draw on lessons learned throughout their Olympic journey and competition at the highest level, motivating students to be the best they can be – whether that’s in school, at home, on the sporting field or with friends.
The program will travel throughout the vastness of Western Australia from Ardyaloon in the North to Esperance in the south. Olympics Unleashed is a partnership with the Western Australian Government who is investing initially to pilot the program and it’s anticipated that 20 athletes will be trained to deliver the program to students across the state.
“We’re delighted to have Olympics Unleashed launch in Western Australia, and for current and former WAIS athletes to have the opportunity to share their personal stories to assist motivate and inspire students across the state,” said WAIS Chief Executive Steve Lawrence.
“For students, having athletes deliver sessions on goal setting and resilience, and share their journey in and out of sport will be a source of inspiration for the next generation. I’m sure students will be able to relate to their experiences and as they embark on their own journey realise if they work hard their goals are attainable.”
Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll expressed his delight of Olympics Unleashed launching in Western Australia and the benefits it will bring to students.
“Bringing an Olympian into the classroom, giving the students the opportunity to interact with them and understand who they are, that they’re just like them, makes the Olympic dream feel attainable. This is a truly motivating and powerful experience for students.
“The stories of our athletes are a real inspiration and they can help students to create real change in their lives enabling them to follow their passion, whatever that may be.
“Our athletes illustrate how failure is one of life’s greatest teachers and the path to success is never quick nor easy.”
