South Australian school students are set for Olympic sized inspiration, with the launch of Olympics Unleashed into high schools across the state announced today by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and South Australian Government.

The program will bring Olympians and athletes aspiring for Paris 2024 into classrooms to share lessons on overcoming challenges, goal setting, decision making, resilience and teamwork.

The athletes will impart these lessons based on their individual Olympic journeys, motivating students to find and unleash their own potential.

The $500,000 combined contribution from the South Australian Government and AOC will see Olympians conduct more than 100 school visits and attend up to 25 school sports programs per year of the agreement, until 2025.

Dual Olympic marathon runner Jessica Stenson and Tokyo 2020 weightlifter Kiana Elliot joined South Australian Minister for Education Blair Boyer and AOC Chief Operating Officer Todd Day to announce the program with 120 students at Modbury High School in Adelaide.

The program, which is free for schools, is aimed at years seven to nine across the state, with all high schools available to register from today at olympicsunleashed.com.au

AOC COO Todd Day said the extension of Olympics Unleashed into high schools across South Australia ensures the Olympic spirit will continue to inspire students to be the very best they can be.

“I am delighted to announce Olympics Unleashed is available for high schools across South Australia,” Mr Day said.

“Having an Olympian tell their story, including the setbacks and challenges faced along the way, gives students a unique opportunity to learn important life lessons of self-awareness, strength of character, goal setting, focus and motivation.”

“As we continue down the green and gold runway towards Brisbane 2032, it is now more important than ever to connect young Australians with the Olympic movement and empower them to follow their dreams – whether that is in sport, in the classroom or in their personal lives.”

“Thank you to the South Australia government, Minister Boyer for their support in using the Olympic spirit to inspire South Australian students.”

South Australian Education Training and Skills Minister, Blair Boyer said sport played an important role in students’ mental and physical wellbeing.

“I remember as a child being inspired by our Olympians – not only for their incredible sporting ability but also for their determination, teamwork and dedication,” Minister Boyer said.

“These programs are instrumental in instilling a love of sport for young people at an early age which plays an important role in supporting mental health, not only for students now, but well into the future.”

Dual Olympian Jessica Stenson said the life lessons learned chasing her Olympic dream can help inspire the next generation of South Australians.

"Olympics Unleashed offers an incredible opportunity for every secondary school across the state, from the city to remote communities,” Jessica said.

“With Brisbane 2032 only nine years away, this program will not only inspire and motivate students to have a go but will also equip them with valuable strategies to help them explore their potential.”

“I hope to inspire students to enjoy some sort of physical activity, to encourage them to set meaningful goals in all areas of life and trust that they will be able to overcome challenges that present themselves along the way.”

The Olympics Unleashed program has been active for primary schools in South Australia since 2020, reaching over 20,000 students from almost 200 schools. Today’s announcement highlights a shift to secondary students, opening a new opportunity for schools to take advantage of the free state-wide program.

Schools can find out more and register at www.olympicsunleashed.com.au

Article courtesy of the Australian Olympic Committee.