Wednesday, June 23 marks International Olympic Day and Australian Olympians are visiting schools inspiring the nation’s youth to be active and embrace the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect.

More than 50 Olympians are returning to schools across the country this week to talk about their Olympic experience and the positive impact of sport on their lives.

Olympic sprint kayak champion Ken Wallace has already visited two primary schools on the Gold Coast and took along his kayak.

“You don’t know how much impact you can have,” Wallace said. “The students seemed really interested in my Olympic experience and excited to watch some of my races.”

“It wasn’t until I pulled the kayak out, they were blown away. They started asking questions and really participating in the discussion.

“The one thing that struck the kids was that I did not start paddling until I was 16. Most of the students were only 11-year-olds, so they realised that you can participate in sport at any age and continue to have goals throughout your life.”

The students from St Kevin’s Primary School published images and comments about Wallace’s visit on their school webpage.

“I learnt that going to the Olympics is not all about being good. It is about being fit, nice, smart and strong and becoming a caring person,” one student said.

Other Olympic Champions visiting schools include Anna Meares (cycling), Natalie Cook (beach volleyball), Kerri Pottharst (beach volleyball), Libby Trickett (swimming) and Angie Lambert (hockey).

From the recent Vancouver 2010 Team Paul Murray (cross country skiing), Britteny Cox (freestyle skiing), Jenny Owens (ski cross) and Jeremy Rolleston (bobsleigh) will all be sharing their experiences and inspiring future generations in the growing area of winter sport.

To coincide with Olympic Day, Foxtel will launch its coverage of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) taking place in Singapore from 14-26 August.

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.

Participating Olympians and Schools

• Jacqueline Lawrence &Torsten Lachman - Drake Public School, NSW
• Angie Lambert - Brisbane Girls Grammar School, QLD
• Ken Wallace - Varsity College Junior School, QLD
• Michael Toon - Nudgee Junior College, QLD
• Sonia Heath - Maroochydore High School, QLD
• Paul Murray - Wangaratta High School, VIC
• Ken Wallace - St Kevin's Catholic Primary School, QLD
• Brittney Cox - Falls Creek Primary School, VIC
• Brittney Cox - Mt Beauty Primary School, VIC
• Jenny Owens - Kambora Public School, NSW
• Natalie Cook - Jindalee State School, QLD
• Natalie Cook - Corinda State High School, QLD
• Anna Meares - St John Bosco School, SA
• Kerri Pottharst - Manly West Primary, NSW
• Angie Lambert - Rangeville State School, QLD
• Amy Hetzel - Billabond Childcare, NSW
• Esther Bottomley - Mt Beauty Secondary College, VIC
• Lara Carroll - Leeming Primary School, WA
• Jeremy Rolleston - Barker College, NSW
• Chantelle Newbery - Belmont State School, QLD
• Matthew Helm - Gumdale State School, QLD
• Alex Croak - Petersham Primary School, NSW
• Trent Franklin - Nicholson Street Public School, NSW
• Rebecca Manuel (Gilmore) - Knox Grammar School, NSW
• Libby Trickett - Lindfield Public School, NSW
• Vanessa Barker - MLC Burwood, NSW
• Rebecca Manuel (Gilmore) - Larool Preschool, NSW
• Taniele Gofers - St Mary's North Sydney, NSW
• Philipe Rizzo - Kaleen Primary School, ACT
• Sharleen Stratton - Camp Hill State School, QLD
• Deonne Bridger - Daniella Heights Primary School, WA

AOC