Olympians from Natalie Cook to Betty Cuthbert are getting out their green and gold uniforms in preparation to visit primary and secondary schools as part of International Olympic Day.
EDUCATION: Olympians from Natalie Cook to Betty Cuthbert are getting out their green and gold uniforms in preparation to visit primary and secondary schools as part of International Olympic Day.
Swimmers, gymnasts, boxers, basketballers, rowers, skiers and water polo and beach volleyball players will be out in force over the next two weeks, talking about the importance of education, the positive impact sport has had on their life as well as their experience at the Olympic Games.
“It all starts with a dream, dreaming big and working hard,” five-time Olympian Natalie Cook said to students at her former primary school, Jindalee Primary in Queensland.
“Wearing the green and gold for Australia makes all the hard training worth it! Plus you’ll probably get to see the world and meet some amazing people!”
Olympians include those who have returned from London, those vying to compete in Sochi and the Golden Girl of the 1956 Melbourne Games, seventy-five year old Betty Cuthbert.
“It is wonderful to see so many of our Olympians supporting this important event, especially one of our great sporting icons like Betty Cuthbert,” AOC President John Coates said.
“Betty is a true example of what is means to be an Olympian. She embodies the Olympic spirit and is a great Ambassador for sport in this country.
”The four-time Olympic gold medallist is visiting Austin Cove Baptist College in Perth on Thursday, where one of the sports houses is named in her honour.
“The core values of the school are courage, persistence, and respect,” school deputy Principal Mary dos Santos said.
“When we were looking for names for our sporting House Factions, Betty Cuthbert seemed a logical choice for us as her illness over the past years has seen her reflect the values that the College holds in high esteem.
Olympic Day is an international community event celebrating sport, education and culture. Through the AOC’s education program, schools are provided with a framework to create their own Olympic Day activities that reflect on the Olympic values.
Hundreds of thousands of people – young and old – participate in sports activities, such as runs, exhibitions, music and educational seminars around the world on Olympic Day. Over the last two decades, the event has helped to spread the Olympic ideals to every corner of the world.
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