RIO 2016: Athletes tend to spend a lot of time travelling and being away from home.

That’s one of the reasons the Australian Olympic Committee has created The Edge - a relaxing home away from home for our athletes.

And when you’re away from home sometimes you’re just after some creature comforts and familiarity.

That’s why Woolworths, the Fresh Partner of the Australian Olympic Team, has produced special care packages of sorts for our athletes to pick up from The Edge here in Rio.

The personalised Taste of Home boxes are filled with iconic Australian treats – Vegemite, air-popped popcorn and blocks of chocolate.

Catering for all needs, there are even gluten-free treats.

Fans, friends and families have chosen what typical Australian products to pack.

As athletes excitedly queued behind the counter to receive their Taste of Home boxes, speculation quickly mounted as to who will get what.

And by far there’s one item in the cardboard box that gets the best reaction – the block of Cadbury – with several athletes immediately ripping into the block of chocolate after sighting the familiar purple packaging from back home.

Others are more disciplined, carrying the boxes under their arms, perhaps saving it for later.

The tubes of Vegemite also proved to be a hit – including with swimmer Bronte Campbell.

“We’re away from home quite a bit with swimming but the Taste of Home boxes here in Rio help bring those familiar flavours with us,” Campbell said.

“It’s nice to be reminded of Australia through something small like some Vegemite on toast!”

Shooter Catherine Skinner said the Taste of Home boxes have been very popular among the athletes.

“It’s great having these snacks,” Skinner said.

“There’s been some good swaps going on – Vegemite for macadamia nuts or macadamia nuts for muesli bars.  Everyone’s been trying to trade to get their favourites.”

The packs also contain personalised messages from Woolies shoppers across 950 stores.  Messages of support from across the other side of the world. Warm smiles spread across the athletes’ faces as they read them.

Aysha Down, Sponsorship Activation Manager at Woolworths, said Woolworths is very proud to be sponsoring Team Australia at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“Our food choices affect our performance every day, whether or not we are athletes,” commented Down.

“It’s a great way for ordinary people to connect with our country’s best sportsmen and women, because every bit of support helps them get over the line.”

Sophie Onikul

olympics.com.au