Elite athletes enlisted to inspire Queensland schools students

Queensland’s primary school students are set to be inspired and motivated by the elite athletes through the $1.34 million Olympics Unleashed program.

Mark Bailey, Member for Miller joined students from Yeronga State School yesterday to welcome Olympic and Paralympic medallists Mark Knowles and Monique Murphy to their school, alongside Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni.

Bailey said Queensland Olympians, Paralympians and those aspiring to compete at Tokyo 2020 would visit school students between grades four to six, right around the State, explaining “under the Olympics Unleashed program, school children will experience the Olympic spirit and passion for sport and active recreation.

“Registered athletes have already completed their training and are ready to hit the ground running at the beginning of Term 4, encouraging students to ‘be their best’ in sport and active recreation.

“They aim to bring out the ‘Olympic Spirit’ in all students to pursue their passion, whether that’s in sport, the classroom, the playground or at home.

“They will incorporate the Olympic values of friendship, respect, and excellence and students have the chance to ask questions, get photos and an autographed athlete card to take home.”

Australian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Matt Carroll said Olympians have unique stories of hard work, goal-setting and resilience, adding “getting face to face in Queensland classrooms makes the athletes and their journeys relatable and will help inspire schoolkids in a fun and engaging way.

“We look forward to seeing Olympians sharing their story to help schoolkids overcome challenges and go after their own personal best.

“The AOC is proud of the response from the Olympians to embrace the opportunity to connect with young Queenslanders to promote active, healthy and fulfilling lives.”

Queensland Minister for Sport, Mick de Brenni advised “our partnership with the AOC is designed to inspire around 150,000 Queensland kids in the lead up to Tokyo 2020.”

Minister de Brenni said he had approved a Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) allocaton of $940,000 over two years, complementing the AOC’s investment of $400,000 over two years towards the program, adding “this year we will build on the success of last year’s program where 57 Queensland athletes visited 438 schools, helping to educate and inspire more than 80,000 students.”

The Queensland Government released its Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019-2029 discussion paper in July.

For more information go to www.qld.gov.au/sportrecstrategy