The Active Youth Development Program is funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria and will be hosted by Valley Sport and supported by Greater Shepparton City Council at the Shepparton Sports Precinct.
The schools participating in the program are the Better Together Alliance schools of Wanganui Park Secondary College, McGuire College, Shepparton High School and Mooroopna Secondary College.
Nine Olympians from five different sports will be in attendance on the day coaching students in Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Football, and Hockey. The Olympians will provide 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.
Each student will be 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 will not only allow students to interact with Olympians but also learn about healthy eating choices and the A.S.P.I.R.E Olympic Values. A highlight of the day will be the sports’ expo when local sporting clubs will showcase their sport in order to help achieve our objective of increasing participation in sport.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Cr Dennis Patterson said the event was a fantastic opportunity for young people to find inspiration from Australia’s best athletes. “To have so many Olympic champions in Shepparton on the one day providing expert advice and motivation to our students is terrific. Council warmly welcomes the Olympians and looks forward to their visit.”
Olympians in Attendance:
- 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
- Mark Worthington 2008, 2012 Basketball Olympian
- Emily Hurtz 2012 Hockey
- Erin Walklate 2008 Badminton
- Peter Blackburn 2000, 1996 Badminton
- Pam Ryan 1972, 1968, 1964 Silver and Bronze Athletics
