Australian Olympic Committee announces Pacific School Games partnership

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has announced a partnership with the Pacific School Games, being held in Adelaide from 3rd to 9th December.

Agreed with under 200 days to go until the 10th edition of the event, AOC President John Coates welcomed the arrangement.

Dubbed as the biggest multi-sport school competition for Australian and international students, organisers pledge to deliver a "sporting, educational, cultural, social and life-long experience" to those competing.

Around 4,500 students aged between 10 and 19 years are expected to compete across 11 sports, backed by more than 800 teachers supporting them as officials.

The AOC also supported the 2015 Games by providing athletes to act as education ambassadors.

Commenting on the partnership, Coates explained “the Australian Olympic Committee is honoured to be involved in the Pacific School Games in 2017 - a competition I'm sure will showcase Australia's best junior sporting talent.

"The AOC prides itself on promoting the fundamental principles and values of Olympism in Australia, in particular, in the fields of sport and education and I am sure our ambassadors will encourage young athletes to act in the spirit of the Olympic Games, both in sport and in life.

"The blending of sport with culture and education, is a fundamental principle of Olympism.

"I think the Pacific School Games embodies this and we are proud to be involved at both this year's competition and into the future, hopefully inspiring the next generation of Olympic champions."

Olympic athletes to represent Australia after appearing at the Pacific School Games include five-time swimming gold medallist Ian Thorpe. Runner Cathy Freeman, who provided one of the moments of Australia's home Sydney 2000 Games when she won 400 metres gold, also took part at the event.

Pacific School Games President Graeme Jennings added “the Pacific School Games team more than welcomes a valuable partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee ahead of the 2017 Games in Adelaide

"Although our Games is strongly concentrated on participation at a grassroots level of sport, there have been a number of elite athletes that previously competed as youngsters before having long and successful careers at the elite level.

"Having a direct connection with the AOC only enhances the Games’ appeal and will offer inspiration for those competing that they too can follow through with their sporting dreams." 

For more information go to www.pacificschoolgames.edu.au 

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