AOC relaunch programme to find inspiring young sports leaders

The AOC has launched its Australian Olympic Change-Maker series for a third year ©AOC

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has started a search for some of the country's most inspiring young sports leaders, with its Australian Olympic Change-Maker programme.

Open to all secondary schools around Australia, the programme celebrates students who live the Olympic spirit through leadership and use the power of sport to bring communities together.

This search comes as communities look to return to sport in the country following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The programme is set to enter its third year.

"I'm thrilled to open nominations for the Australian Olympic Change-Maker programme in 2021," said AOC chief executive Matt Carroll.

"Over the last two years of the programme, I've been inspired by the ideas, enthusiasm and impact students recognised as Olympic Change-Makers have had on their communities.

"Students from the regions to capital cities, who are using sport to make the lives of people in their community better each day.

"With the potential of a home Games on the horizon and a decade runway of opportunity for Australia, the students of today will have an incredible input on Australia's future.

Applications are now open for Australian Olympic Change-Maker: https://t.co/xa9uEv0xKq

The program recognises students who are demonstrating the Olympic spirt, both on and off the playing field, through leadership and driving positive change in their school or local community. pic.twitter.com/jDkNs66q83
— AUS Olympic Team (@AUSOlympicTeam) March 22, 2021

"I look forward to again receiving the ideas from young leaders in 2021 and encourage all teachers to nominate students who are inspiring their local communities."

Australia could host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games after the International Olympic Committee said Brisbane was its preferred candidate.

Nominated students for the programme will attend a state-wide virtual Olympic Forum where they will learn first-hand from Olympians and collaborate with other young leaders.

They will work together in areas such as promoting equality and diversity, sustainability, regional engagement and empowering young Australians.

Those in attendance could have the opportunity to be selected by a panel of Olympians to attend the National Olympic Change-Maker Summit.

"This incredible programme will empower and inspire you - to move, to learn and to discover whilst staying focused on your goals and maintaining your motivation for influencing change," said Olympic Change-Maker host and Olympic swimming silver medallist Brooke Hanson.

Nominations are open to all Australian high school students, with each school being able to nominate up to two students each from years 10 to 12.