Five time Olympian, Natalie Cook visited her old school, Jindalee Primary on Tuesday 18th June for the athletics carnival and to celebrate Olympic Day.   Cook shared her favourite school sporting moment in “winning at the house carnivals in high school for swimming, athletics and cross country.”

Students in classes from prep to year seven participated in an Opening Ceremony with a march past, reading of the athlete’s oath and an acknowledgement of all 72 nationalities represented at the school. Ribbons were presented on an Olympic styled podium with a visual display of the rings.

Bray Miller, a Physical Education teacher at Jindalee Primary, explains how the carnival encouraged the students to “do their best, respecting individuals and their abilities regardless of their performance levels and to cheer and encourage each other in all events.”

“It all starts with a dream, dream big and work hard!” said Cook, who had some words of advice for athletes and any aspiring Olympians.  Her own influences for sporting success come from the likes of Michael Jordan and Greg Norman.

Cook’s appearance at the school left a positive influence on the students. “All students were very excited with the visit from Natalie,” Miller said. “Just to see and meet an Olympian has created a very positive attitude toward physical activity.”

Miller explained how the program “has provided a positive benefit highlighting how a school with over seventy nationalities can work, play, have fun and strive for excellence according to one’s ability.”

Through the AOC’s education program schools are provided with a framework to create their own Olympic Day activities that reflect on the a.s.p.i.r.e values developed by the Australian Olympic Team.

By Hayley Stephens
The Reporters’ Academy (MELBA SECONDARY COLLEGE)