Olympic Day : Australian Olympians out in force promoting Olympic Day in schools

23 | 6 | 2017

Australia’s 2017 Olympic Day celebrations kicked off in New South Wales with Olympians presenting outstanding secondary school students with the Pierre de Coubertin award, an accolade that recognises exceptional displays of fair play and sportsmanship. Now in its 25^th year, the annual Pierre de Coubertin award recognises students who demonstrate the ideals of the Olympic Movement.

Three Olympians, Olympic silver medallist Cameron Girdlestone (Rowing, Rio 2016), Matt Abood (Swimming, Rio 2016) and Stephanie Magiros (Snowboard Halfpipe, Sochi 2014) presented the award to seventy Year 11 and 12 students from the State.

This was followed by a boxing workshop with Rio 2016 Olympic boxer Shelley Watts as part of an Olympic Academy day at the Sydney University of Technology.

Australia’s Olympians have also been taking part in organised school visits throughout the month of June to mark Olympic Day. Stephanie Morton (Track Cycling, London 2012 & Rio 2016) and Stuart O’Grady (Track & Road Cycling, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 & London 2012) made appearances in South Australia, while Kylie Wheeler (Athletics, Athens 2004 & Beijing 2008) visited a remote school in Western Australia and silver medallist Melissa Wu (Diving, Beijing 2008 & London 2012) talked to students in New South Wales. 

James Tomkins, WOA Executive Committee member, six-time Olympian and triple Olympic rowing Champion, said:

“Once again, Olympians all across Australia are getting into the swing of Olympic Day, lending their experience, skill and time to talk to schools and encourage children to follow their dreams and take up sport by sharing their own Olympic journeys.

“The Pierre de Coubertin award that is given out to secondary school children here in Australia is particularly inspiring. It’s fantastic to see so many young athletes earning recognition for their outstanding displays of fair play and their determination to uphold the Olympic values at such an early stage of their sporting careers.”

Olympic Day is celebrated around the world today on June 23. It is a day when the Olympic and sporting family comes together in a display of solidarity to promote the Olympic values and encourage people to get active.

The World Olympians Association congratulates Olympians and National Olympians Associations worldwide for spreading the message of Olympism throughout their communities. 

Photo credit: AOC