Olympians Visit

Olympians coach students in Shepparton

With the Rio 2016 Olympic Games less than 18 months away, 300 year 7 secondary school students from the Greater Shepparton Better Together Alliance participated in a once in a life time opportunity, being coached by Olympians.

The Active Youth Development Program was put on by Valley Sport and the Victorian Olympic Council and we were also pleased to welcome Mayor Dennis Patterson on the day showing his support.

Nine Olympians from five different sports, Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Football, and Hockey, attended on the day. The Olympians provided a unique insight into the Olympic Games with stories about how they got involved in sport and the positive impact sport has had on their life.

 As a group of schools, the Alliance is committed to providing our students with every opportunity to raise aspirations and to discover the benefits of resilience.

The Olympians who came along were:

Michelle Brogan:    2000, 1996 Basketball

Tal Karp:                  2004 Football

Selin Kuralay:          2004 Football

Kyle Vander-Kuyp   (MC for the event)

                                  2000, 1996 Athletics

Stuart Carruthers:  1996 Hockey

Belinda Hocking:   2012, 2008 Swimming

Allison Tranquilli:  2004 Silver, 1996, Bronze                                  Medallist Basketball

Emily Hurtz:            2012 Hockey

Erin Walklate:         2008 Badminton

Peter Blackburn:    2000, 1996 Badminton

Pam Ryan:              1972, 1968, 1964 Silver &                                  Bronze Athletics

Each student was coached in their preferred sport, coming away with a special tip from an Olympian that they will cherish for life, and may provide that little extra something to motivate them to strive to achieve their own sporting dreams.

The program not only allowed students to interact with Olympians but they also learned about healthy eating choices and the A.S.P.I.R.E Olympic Values. A highlight of the day was the sports’ expo when local sporting clubs showcased their sport in order to help achieve one of Valley Sport’s objective of increasing participation in sport.

Bridget Penny

Health/PE Domain Leader