The occasion was marked by a presentation from Olympic bronze medallist racewalker Dane Bird-Smith and Olympic hopeful sprinter and long jumper Naa Anang who were on hand to help students understand the importance of goal setting, building resilience and creating the best versions of themselves. 

More than 100,000 students in 650 schools across Queensland have now participated in Olympics Unleashed with independent research showing outstanding engagement, with 100% of teachers unanimously recommend the program. 

Athletes, Olympians and Tokyo hopefuls from across Australia have visited classrooms in Queensland to help students find and unleash their potential. 

AOC CEO Matt Carroll AM spoke about the success of the program and the significance of the Queensland agreement. 

“Olympics Unleashed began right here in Queensland in September 2018 and since then our athletes have been inspiring students from right here in Brisbane to the most far northern reaches of the state, to some of the most remote communities. 

“This program continues to help students to find their passion and encourage them to integrate sport into their daily lives. 

“Today’s milestone of 100,000 students means that the Olympic movement is continuing to assist Australia’s youth develop vital skills in goal setting, resilience and building critical self-confidence. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to formally thank Minister Hinchliffe, the Queensland Government and the Queensland Academy of Sport for their unwavering commitment and support of this program. I’d also like to offer our gratitude to Olympic Partner, Optus who have been a strong supporter of the program.”

Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Olympics Unleashed brought many benefits to schools across the state.

“It’s important for students to get involved in programs like Olympics Unleashed from a young age to encourage them make healthier choices and a life-long commitment to leading active lives,” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

“Helping Queenslanders to be more active more of the time starts with getting involved in sport from a young age.
“With the possibility of a Queensland Olympic Games in 2032, it was inspiring to talk with students at Taigum State School about their ideas for the future.

“It’s exciting to think some of these students could potentially be competing at a home Games in Queensland and sharing the Olympic Spirit with their local community on a world stage.”   

QAS Chief Executive Chelsea Warr encouraged schools to be part of the program  

“Our athletes have inspirational and remarkable stories to tell. So let’s share them with as many young people as possible,” said Ms Warr. 

“They’re providing real-world insight into what it takes to achieve your full potential and succeed in whatever you put your mind to. 

“They’re showing how leading an active, healthy and ambitious life can set you up for success physically, mentally and socially.” 

Dane Bird-Smith, Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist racewalker is one of more than 100 athletes that are trained to deliver Olympics Unleashed. Dane has been with program since the beginning and conducted numerous sessions throughout Queensland.

“When I present to children across the state, I want them to walk away feeling like there are no limitations on what they can achieve. 

“Though inspiring classrooms to get involved in sport and throughout this program we instil the knowledge that you can learn more from sport than simply how to play the game. By becoming involved in active sport, young people learn about nutrition, sleep, and a range of other elements you need to live a well-balanced and prosperous life.

“In some of my recent presentation, I’ve talked about the possibilities of the Games coming to Queensland and the students just light up at the prospects of what that could mean for them.”

Optus Managing Director Marketing and Revenue Matt Williams said, “It’s fantastic to see Olympics Unleashed reach 100,000 students across Queensland, as it’s important that these types of role models are visible to Australian school kids.”

“We can’t wait to see our Australian athletes compete on the world stage at the Tokyo Olympics, but it’s equally exciting to see Olympics Unleashed inspiring and exciting the next generation.