EDUCATION: Australian kids could get their artwork hung up in the Rio Olympic Village and be in with the chance to win $1000 thanks to the Australian Olympic Committee and Woolworths.

Students around the country are encouraged to pick up their pens and pencils and help bring life to the walls of the Rio 2016 Games Athletes’ Village.

Thanks to our partner, Woolworths, the best primary and secondary submission will win a prize of $1000 to be judged by 2016 Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller.

The Village Art program has had great success with over 2000 students submitting artwork for the London 2012 Games.

The program helps create a very special experience for athletes when they enter the Village Chiller said.

“Village Art really gives students the chance to be a part of the Australian Olympic Team and help us decorate the Rio Olympic Village,” she said.

“This shouldn’t be limited to just primary students, and we’re really looking forward to seeing some fantastic and inspiring pieces of art from older students.”

This particular program has a special place in Chiller’s heart, who still has the artwork that hung on her wall in the Olympic Village at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

“As an athlete, I cherish the artwork that was hanging in my room in Sydney.

“I’d like to think that every athlete finds students’ creations both inspiring and supportive.”

Earlier in the year, Chiller was reunited with  Matthew Pearce Public School studentTodd Clark, who drew the artwork  which was on Chiller’s wall16 years ago.

“It was very special to meet Todd and thank him personally for the beautiful picture he drew when he was a student.

“It’s one of my most prized possessions.”

Primary school students are invited to use their imagination and create works about any element of the Olympic Games, with lesson plans available for teachers on the AOC’s dedicated Education Program website.

 Artwork can include Olympic rings, Boxing Kangaroos, medals, Australian flags or a favourite sport or athlete.

Secondary students are invited to create historical pieces of art for the Athletes’ village.

These works can be literary or artistic which demonstrates an appreciation of the Olympic Games.

These artworks may depict a moment in Australian Olympic history, their favourite Olympian, both current or retire or their favourite Olympic sport.

Students that submit artwork are encouraged to also enclose a personal reflection of their 
work, including an explanation of the moment in Olympic history they have created and why they have selected that particular moment.

Both primary and secondary artworks will be used to decorate the apartments in Rio de Janerio of the Australian Olympic Team. The athletes will feel right at home, supported and inspired by the efforts of your school.

The competition will run until July 15, with the competition winners to be notified by July 25.

For all details, including submission address, please visit http://education.olympics.com.au

Ashleigh Knight
olympics.com.au