"Round the Globe Run - for a Better World", part of the over-arching World Children’s Prize programme run by the SOK, involved an estimated million children across the world who formed human chains and walked, ran or skied for three kilometres.

This activity highlights changes they want to see in support of children’s rights and global sustainable development, although the children have been focusing in particular on equal rights for girls and reducing poverty and inequality.

In Sweden, around 20 home Olympians have been involved in the various projects within the overall programme, and have visited about 100 participating schools.

The Olympians include Anders Södergren, the cross-country skier who won 4x10kilometres relay Olympic gold and bronze medals Vancouver 2010 and Turin 2006 respectively, and ice hockey player Danijela Rundqvist, winner of bronze medal at Salt Lake City 2002 and silver at Turin 2006.

As well as teaching students about Olympic values, the Olympic Movement and sustainable development, the athletes also discuss their own sporting careers and stress how important it is to work towards a goal.

By April next year the Olympians are scheduled to visit another 150 in different parts of Sweden.

"Sport is all about striving for excellence and to reach a goal you dream of," said Rundqvist.

"These children also have big dreams and big goals, but for them it could be to make this planet a better place."