Twenty-six Olympians are returning to the classroom to share their childhood aspirations, sporting experiences and Olympic highlights with primary school students across the country.

They have been selected as Olympic Education Ambassadors by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) as part of its national education program.

“I am proud to be a part of this program,” said three-time Olympian and dual gold medallist Susie O’Neill.

“I am a real believer in the Olympics and think children can learn a lot from the Games. It is wonderful I can impart to them some of the skills I learned through sport, such as discipline and doing your best.

“I also think the history of the Games is interesting for children to study,” she said. The Ambassadors were announced today, to coincide with the launch of a national primary education program packed full of activities themed around the 2008 Olympic Games.

Teachers can download from olympics.com.au a resource containing over 60 primary, cross-curriculum lessons emphasising the a.s.p.i.r.e. values, literacy and numeracy skills, the use of information and communication technologies, active lifestyles and links with the community.

In addition, teachers and students are being invited to produce a message of support for the Australian Olympic Team, create artwork to hang in the Olympic Village, listen to Norman May’s golden nuggets, link with schools in China, talk to Olympians online and celebrate Olympic Day!

The activities form the basis of the AOC’s national primary education program, the a.s.p.i.r.e. school network.

The program uses the Olympic sport traditions and values as the context for teaching life values and life skills, integrating sport, education and culture.

Teachers can download the complete resource by registering with the a.s.p.i.r.e. school network and view details of all Ambassadors here.