School children are receiving their own Olympic medals this term from Olympic hero Danyon Loader. The double gold medallist swimmer and Olympic Ambassador heads up New Zealands ASB Olympic Schools programme which rolls out around Auckland this term. In addition to gold, silver and bronze medals, the ASB Olympic Schools programme includes Olympic collateral, curriculum-based teaching resources and, in 2012, everything they need to run their own school Olympic Games. The programme also includes the Olympic Encouragement scheme which allows teachers to identify a talented youngster and have an Olympic Ambassador encourage them to succeed. The innovative programme has been developed to introduce school-aged children to the magic of the Olympic Games and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. New Zealand Olympic Committee Secretary General, Kereyn Smith, says the schools product is a great way to get children excited about sport and in doing that, become better people. The Olympic Games are special because they are about more than just sport at the Olympic Games athletes and spectators alike experience excellence, friendship and respect. Through ASB Olympic Schools we can bring children closer to these values. Loader, who heads the programme, says visiting schools is a thrill. The medals are a tangible symbol of the Olympic Games and what they mean. Teachers and students alike are excited to be part of our new schools programme. The ASB Olympic Schools Medals (Gold, Silver and Bronze) are awarded to the students who have most strongly demonstrated the Olympic Values. There are 130 Auckland Schools currently signed up to the programme and ASB Olympic Schools will be rolled out around the country from next year.
Tweet Share