Olympic Academies
The Australian Olympic Academy (AOA) is the "umbrella" term for all activities undertaken by or on behalf of the AOC in the areas of Olympic Education to promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge and commitment. Its stated mission is to encourage and foster greater awareness and understanding
about the Olympic Movement; its history, development and philosophy, throughout
the community.
The AOA embraces international, national, state and local levels,
incorporating a diverse range of delivery mechanisms to present an educational
and awareness program. The program incorporates lectures, audiovisual
presentations and discussion sessions, offering participants the opportunity to
develop fellowship and understanding.
State and Regional Olympic Academies are held throughout Australia by the
State Olympic Councils. These academies are a vehicle for selecting delegates to
attend the AOA. Delegates for State sessions of our Olympic Academies are
nominated through sporting bodies, educational institutions and Team Millennium
Olympic Partners.
Pierre de Coubertin Awards
Each year, the AOC and the NSW
Department of Education and Training invites high schools throughout Australia
to participate in the Pierre de Coubertin Awards. The Pierre de Coubertin Awards
provide our youth with an opportunity to share the true spirit of Olympism.
The Award program is named after Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the
Modern Olympic Games. Pierre de Coubertin believed international competitions
between amateur athletes would promote friendly relationships between people
from different countries.
The Pierre de Coubertin Awards are designed to recognise students who
demonstrate attributes which are consistent with the fundamental aims of the
Olympic Movement through participation in a variety of sporting activities. The
Awards aim to emphasise participation and sporting behaviour; the student who
consistently displays an attitude of being a 'good sport'. It is not primarily
intended to reward elite performance.
Certificates recognising Award recipients are presented at an appropriate
ceremony at either school, district or state level.
Education Kits
Since 1992, the AOC in conjunction with
the NSW Department of Education and Training , has produced Olympic Education
Kits which are designed to create greater awareness among primary and secondary
school children of the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Games and Olympic Sports.
Kits have been produced for the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, as well as the 1998
Olympic Winter Games.
To celebrate the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the AOC, in conjunction with
SOCOG and the NSW Department of Education and Training, has produced 'ASPIRE -
2000 Olympic Games Resource for Australian Schools'. ASPIRE has been sent to
each school in Australia. Copies have also been provided to the education system
in each state (Government, catholic and independent) to support the
implementation of aspire in the school curriculum.
If your school did not receive a copy of ASPIRE please have your Principal
fax a signed request to Susan Crawford of the Olympic 2000 National Education
Program on (02) 9297 2000.
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