More than 1,200 students from 22 primary schools will descend on Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday 15 September to celebrate the Sydney 2000 10th Anniversary.

Emily Vigenser, the school captain of Liverpool West Public School, is eagerly anticipating the day and has been learning about the poignant moments from the Sydney Games.

“I am really excited about meeting Olympians and playing sport with them. I hope to meet Cathy Freeman,” she said.

In the morning, students will relive highlights of the Opening Ceremony and learn about its traditional symbols such as the athletes’ oath, flags, national anthem and Olympic flame.

One important component is the Parade of Nations. Primary students will come dressed in black, red, blue, green or yellow, the colours of the Olympic Rings and march into the Olympic stadium behind their school emblem.

“I will be wearing black as our school is representing the black ring,” 11-year-old Vigenser said. “And I will be carrying the school emblem as we walk into the stadium, which is pretty special.”

In the afternoon, students will participate in a carnival of sports activities with Olympians and Paralympians. The activities are based on the sport programs of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and have been modified for the age group.

Students will participate in the likes of running relays, volleyball and shot put and try the Paralympic versions such as blindfolded relays, sitting volleyball and seated shot put.

“I can’t wait to try some of the sports and beat the athletes,” she said.

Vigenser was only one when the Olympics were held in Sydney. She has no memories of the Games however has been studying the event as part of her preparations for the anniversary celebrations.

“I don’t remember anything but I have researched the Sydney Olympic Games. I have researched the number of countries who competed and what the Opening Ceremony was like,” Vigenser said.

“I know there was a really big fireworks display and that Cathy Freeman held the torch.

“And I know there were a lot of men and women who came to compete at the Games.”

Vigenser does remember the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. She loves her sport and watched a lot of the Games on television.

“My favourite sports to watch are the gymnastics and swimming,” she said. “I play netball and compete in Hapkido, which is like Karate.”

The schools celebration is one of several events planned to commemorate the Sydney 2000 10th Anniversary. Volunteers have been invited to return to Sydney Olympic Park for a reunion and Olympians are coming from around the country to witness the relighting of the Olympic Cauldron.

Frances Cordaro

AOC