Two time Olympian and Olympic Gold Medallist, Louise Dobson visited two schools celebrating Australia's first ever Green and Gold Day, Franklin School and Bonython Primary School. She delivered an Olympics Unleashed presented by Optus session, on a day that's all about painting the country in our national colours and being proud of Australia's sporting achievements.
The visit marks the 100th school in the ACT to have received the program. Since Olympics Unleashed started in the territory in mid-2019 it has reached more than 16,500 students.
Both Franklin and Bonython Primary School welcomed Louise in a sea of Green and Gold, excited to celebrate Australia’s sporting achievements during the Tokyo Olympic Games.
AOC CEO Matt Carroll praised the enthusiasm of athletes, students and teachers that have shared the Olympic spirit as part of Olympics Unleashed.
“We’re excited to have achieved the milestone of 100 schools throughout the ACT, it’s great to see so many schools taking up the program and enabling students to learn unmediated from Olympians. Helping to bring inspiration to schools that work so hard to encourage students every day is an honour and a rewarding experience for our athletes.”
“Over 16,500 students in the ACT have now experienced the program and heard first-hand from Olympians how to set goals, create incremental progress and turn a long-term dream into a personal reality.”
Mr Carroll spoke about the importance of Green and Gold Day, “Today’s visit is a special one, coming on a day that connects our community in the middle of the Tokyo Olympic Games to celebrate the green and gold. On Green and Gold Day we encourage athletes, fans, businesses, schools and people young and old to be proud of our nations sporting history, get excited and to get involved in sports."
“Thank you to our presenting partner Optus and the ACT Government for their ongoing commitment to the program and we look forward to continuing to connect with students and grow the program across the ACT.”
During her visit to the school Louise reflected on her road to the Games with the Hockeyroos and the importance of goal setting, resilience, and how she’s overcame challenges on her Olympic journey. She also spoke about the future for children across Australia since the announcement of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
“I remember watching the Moscow Olympic Games when I was just eight years old, the theatre of the medals ceremony was amazing, and I knew at that point that I wanted to be an Olympian.”
“I think it’s key to establish this kind of vision and connection to the Games. When I’m in the classroom, I often talk to students about the use of vision boards and mentors to really help them connect to the Games. Olympics Unleashed is really about helping Australia’s youth to establish a connection to the best versions of themselves, whatever their aspirations and getting students to realise that their goals are attainable.”
“I’m excited by the recent announcement that the Games are headed back to Australia. I can see that the kids that I’m making these critical connections with today are the Olympians of 2032 and it’s all about our journey to the Brisbane Games together.”
“It’s was a privilege to be chosen as the Olympian to launch the Olympics Unleashed program in the ACT with the very first school visit and today, I’m humbled to deliver the 100th school visit.” Ms Dobson added.
ACT Deputy Chief Minister, Yvette Berry said Olympics Unleashed brought many benefits to schools across the territory.
“It’s really great to see students get involved in programs like Olympics Unleashed to encourage a healthy and active mindset from early on.
“The ACT has the highest sport participation rate in the country and helping kids to be more active and involved in sport from a young age is a big part of that.
“With the Olympics returning to Australia in 2032, it’s exciting to think some of these students could be competing at a home Games and sharing the Olympic Spirit with their local community on a world stage.”
Optus Managing Director Marketing and Revenue Matt Williams said, “We are delighted to see Olympics Unleashed reach its 100th visit, as it is imperative these types of role models are visible to Australian school kids.”
“There is no doubt we are looking forward to seeing our Australian athletes compete on the world stage at the Tokyo Olympics, but we’re equally excited to see the Olympics Unleashed inspire the next generation and change the future they see.”
The program is free for schools across the ACT. Schools can find out more and register for the program now at www.olympicsunleashed.com.au.
