The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) is on the lookout for inspiring students across Australia who are creating positive change in their communities through sport with the return of the Australian Olympic Change-Maker program.
The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program celebrates secondary students who are creating positive change in their schools and local communities, with nominations now open to high schools across Australia.
Nominated students will become one of only 6,000 Australian students who have been recognised as Australian Olympic Change-Makers.
Schools: Find out more and nominate students
AOC CEO Matt Carroll said the program is a great way to acknowledge the young Australians making significant impact through sport around the country.
“The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program shines a spotlight on students nationwide who go the extra mile, actively creating positive change within their schools and local communities,” Mr Carroll said.
“As the world turns its attention to the Paris Olympic Games this year, it is important we recognise and champion these individuals and the difference they make.
“I am proud to see this program back for its sixth year and I look forward to seeing the unique contributions each of the 2024 Australian Olympic Change-Makers will bring to the Olympic Movement in Australia.
“I encourage all teachers to nominate young leaders from their school and celebrate the inspiring work being done by their students,” Mr Carroll concluded.
Nominated students are given the opportunity to join Australian Olympians at the National Forum in September, where they’ll connect with other like-minded young leaders and be immersed in a unique Olympic experience.
A panel of Olympians will then select 25 Change-Makers from around the country to attend the National Olympic Change-Maker Summit in December, further recognising and empowering their contributions.
2023 Olympic Change-Maker Molly Hutchinson, who also recently completed work experience at the AOC, said her experience with the program was incredibly positive and rewarding.
“I learnt so much about myself, my generation, and the power of sport from Olympians, leaders and fellow students from around the country,” Molly said.
“The experiences within this program, whether it be receiving a nomination email, attending the National Forum, editing your application video or even attending the National Summit, are so special because of the people you encounter.
“I met so many students just like me, who had a passion for sport and using sport to change communities for the better,” she continued.
“There is so much to gain from teachers nominating students at their school for this program. It is so important for students who are positively contributing to their community to be recognised and this is a perfect way to do it!”
Teachers are invited to nominate up to two year 10, 11 or 12 students who are actively demonstrating leadership through sport and the Olympic values both on and off the field of play.
