Olympians inspire students to dream big

Minister Tim Mander, left, and Nicklin MP Marty Hunt, right, celebrate the Olympics Unleashed program with Nambour students, triathlete Matthew Hauser and Olympic water polo player Gabi Palm.

Nambour State College students have been encouraged to dream big and give sport a go during a special visit by two Australian Olympians as part of a national program that has now reached 300,000 schoolchildren.

Olympic water polo player Gabi Palm and triathlete Matthew Hauser visited the college’s junior campus alongside Queensland Olympic and Paralympic Minister Tim Mander and Nicklin MP Marty Hunt to celebrate the success of the Olympics Unleashed program.

Established eight years ago through a partnership between the Australian Olympic Committee and Queensland Academy of Sport, the program brings elite athletes into classrooms to share their experiences and inspire young people to pursue their goals.

Mr Mander said 200 athletes had made 2,000 school visits, reaching 300,000 children.

“The whole idea of the program is to inspire kids to be their best, whether it’s in sport, the arts, music, or business in the future,” he said.

He said encouraging greater participation in sport and physical activity would be an important legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mr Hunt, a former school-based police officer at Nambour State College, welcomed the opportunity for local students to meet the athletes. “Two short years ago I was school-based police officer right here at Nambour State College and I know how our young kids here in Nambour love their sport,” he said. “I know how important sport, physical activity and movement are for young people. Having these athletes here to inspire our kids to participate, give sport a go and chase their own goals is a great thing.”

For Gabi Palm, sharing her Olympic journey with the next generation is a rewarding experience.

“It’s really rewarding being able to go into schools all across Queensland to tell my story,” she said.

The visit comes as Queensland prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Games, with the State Government investing $250 million through its Games On program to support community sport and recreation infrastructure.