More than 840 students were nominated for the Olympic Change-Maker award by their schools for their inspiring work and leadership in their community, from every part of Australia.

From Canberra’s Habitat Ogunbanwo assisting immigrants learning how to swim, to Western Australia’s Cory Crombie, who runs events championing inclusive sport and access to sport for people of all abilities, the Change-Makers created positive outcomes for their community through sport.

From all 840 nominees sharing in a virtual forum in September, a panel of Olympians selected 21 outstanding Change-Makers to participate in the National Summit.

Joining with Olympians and their fellow Change-Makers in three sessions across December, the young leaders tackled an Olympic sized question – how could Australia make the most of a potential 2032 home Olympic Games?

Working with Olympians Steve Solomon, Greta Small, Koti Ngawati, Jake Whetton, Steph Moorhouse and Ashleigh Brennan, the Change-Makers provided a vital youth voice and recommendations on maximising the 2032 Olympic opportunity.

Presenting to Olympic champion Cate Campbell and AOC CEO Matt Carroll, some key recommendations from the Change-Makers included:

• Putting sustainability at the forefront of Games planning, focusing on eco-friendly transport like electric buses to benefit the region not just during the Games, but provide a lasting legacy
• Developing technology to connect Australians right across the country with Olympians – providing updated information for fans, coaches, athletes and the community on everything from how to get involved in grassroots sport to how to apply for grants and how to follow Olympians on their journey to 2032
• A dedicated Olympian mentorship program for remote and regional areas, to ensure the benefits of any Games is felt right across the country
• Focusing on making a home Games an example for achieving equality and showcasing the diversity of modern Australia to the country and the world
  

AOC CEO Matt Carroll was impressed by the Change-Makers’ ideas for 2032.

“Congratulations to the 2020 Olympic-Change-Makers,” Mr Carroll said. “They came up with some fantastic ideas – and importantly went into detail about how we can actually implement it to get it done. 

“Ideas on how to make the Games more sustainable, on how to achieve gender equality and achieve real outcomes for sports at all levels show a fantastic insight into what a home Games could do for the country.

“We’re very proud of this program, as it draws on all the Olympic values. These students aren’t being nominated because they’re the best athletes, but for the difference they are making through sport.

“Seeing the reactions of the Olympians working with these young people and their passion and creativity, Australian sport has a very bright future. I look forward to seeing what they can achieve in their communities and for Australia in the years to come.”

Triple Olympian and gold medal-winning swimmer Cate Campbell was blown away by the summit pitches.

“I’m so impressed by the pitches of all the OCMs,” Campbell said. “I loved that they thought beyond just the 2032 window – not just looking at the result they want in 2032, but all the steps along the way to get there. 

“I particularly liked that the Change-Makers highlighted the broader benefits of sport beyond the health and activity it can bring, to the community spirit and connection a Games can provide. Connecting with the broader community, particularly regional and rural communities, is so important, and integrates the whole Olympic family into a Games.

“The future of the Olympic movement is in great hands with these Change-Makers and I can’t wait to see these ideas in action.”

Program support and Australian Olympic Team Partner Royal Australian mint also provided a unique Change-Maker medallion to the 21 students to commemorate their achievement.

Year 10 Tasmanian Change-Maker Angus Purtell said the experience has inspired him to make even more of an impact in his community.

“Thank you to all the Change-Makers and Olympians for making this virtual summit such an amazing experience,” Purtell said. “This initiative has let us all meet and share experiences with like-minded Aussies. 

“Seeing the incredible work done by the other Change-Makers and how they have overcome challenges has inspired us to strive for change and to encourage us to keep implementing new initiatives in our own community.”

With the insight, innovation and community spirit evident from the Change-Makers, the Olympic movement in Australia and power of sport to enable positive change is in safe hands for generations to come.

2020 Olympic Change-Maker National Summit attendees