Students from Dubbo's School of Distance Education this week received a virtual visit by an Olympian kayaker who shared with them how to find their passion and unleash their potential.
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Dubbo's School of Distance Education became the 300th school in NSW to participate in Olympics Unleashed.
Twenty students participating in the school's first ever 'Virtual Residential' camp heard from kayaker Jaime Roberts on June 10.
Jaime, a qualified mining engineer, teacher and fitness instructor, has been selected to make her Olympic debut in Tokyo next year in canoe sprint.
More than 36,000 students from across NSW have had Olympians and athletes aspiring for Tokyo 2020 share their experiences, with digital streaming now replacing in-person classroom visits due to COVID-19.
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Since starting in Olympics Unleashed program, Jaime has experienced massive highs and lows - from being selected in March to make her Olympic debut in Tokyo, to the Games' delay and being separated from teammates, coaches and regular training facilities due to COVID-19.
"Speaking with the students was so good, it's great to share my journey and hear directly from them about their own goals, challenges and experiences" Jaime said.
"The big changes we're going through really reinforce the key message I want to leave with students. It's so important to control what you can control, and let go of what you can't..."
Karin Morgan, Head Teacher PDHPE at Dubbo School of Distance Education, said Jaime's visit had inspired her students.
"Jaime's presentation to our students was amazing - she encouraged our students to dream big and to set goals at school and in life, not limits," Ms Morgan said.
"Her message about never giving up, even when you face big barriers was excellent.
"The brain breaks she used within her presentation really focused the students and she was very generous with her time for questions after the presentation had finished. Jaime has inspired our students to overcome their own hurdles and to 'be the best, but to enjoy it the most'".
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AOC CEO Matt Carroll said reaching the 300-school milestone in NSW was testament to the core of Olympics Unleashed, providing teachers with the opportunity to connect their students with Olympians.
"As students and athletes alike adapt to the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, Olympians' message of resilience, perseverance and teamwork is more important than ever," Mr Carroll said.
"Reaching 300 schools means more than 36,000 students across the state have heard directly from Olympians, messages that go beyond sport ...."
NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Sarah Mitchell said was thrilled the 300th school visit for Olympics Unleashed was in regional NSW and happy so many students have benefitted from the program so far.
"The opportunity for our students to meet Olympians is one they will never forget, particularly in regional NSW where sport is such an important part of so many communities," Ms Mitchell said.
Olympics Unleashed has seen more than 130,000 students in over 900 schools around Australia hear directly from Olympians and athletes aspiring for Tokyo 2020, with schools across NSW, ACT, Queensland and South Australia able to register for digital visits now.
Olympics Unleashed is being presented by Optus.
Olympics Unleashed online visits have commenced in NSW and the ACT, with online visits rolling out in coming weeks in Queensland and South Australia.
The program is free for schools thanks to support from presenting partner Optus, state governments and the AOC and available for schools right across each state and territory.
Find out more and register at www.olympicsunleashed.com.au
