Olympics Unleashed Tour of Far North Queensland
Courtesy olympics.com.au
The AOC, in partnership with the Queensland Government is set to lead an Olympics Unleashed tour of Far North Queensland from 16 to 19 November. The tour will visit Aboriginal communities and Torres Strait Islander communities and schools throughout the region.
Kicking off on Thursday Island then traveling to, Horn Island, Yarrabah and Lockhart River, the tour will be hosted by Olympians from both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
Tokyo 2020 silver medallist beach volleyballer Taliqua Clancy and dual Olympian boxer Brad Hore will inspire youth, help them to set goals, be resilient and create the best versions of themselves. Through the Olympics Unleashed program the athletes will tell their stories and help children to realise a real connection to their own goals and aspirations.
Queensland Premier and Minister for the Olympics Annastacia Palaszczuk MP said the tour would raise awareness of the opportunities for young Queenslanders.
“The power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is to inspire a new generation,” the Premier said.
“To have our own Games brings that goal closer to home, not only for the athletes but the friends and family who will be able to cheer them on.
“I know this visit will also serve to encourage remote communities to get vaccinated … just like our Olympians.”
AOC CEO Matt Carroll thanked Premier Palaszczuk, Minister Hinchliffe and the Queensland Academy of Sport for the Queensland Government’s ongoing support of Olympics Unleashed and the Far North Queensland tour, and he also spoke about the significance of the program in Queensland.
“Olympics Unleashed began right here in Queensland, at the Queensland Academy of Sport and since then Olympic athletes have inspired over 120,000 students right across the state from Brisbane to some of the most remote communities,” said Carroll.
“This program continues to help students in all communities to find their passion, that it is ok to fail and pick yourself up and encourage them to have a go at sport.
“As we head towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we want children everywhere to dream big, set goals and live healthy lives.”
Sport Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, Stirling Hinchliffe, said timing, motivation and support were critical for young Queenslanders’ potential to grow elite sporting skills.
“The time to develop our future sporting talent for 2032 starts now,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“At this early stage we don’t know where our next Patty Mills or Taliqua Clancy might come from.
“We need to work with communities, sports and schools across Queensland to nurture young talent and support them to develop the skills they need to become our future Olympic champions.”
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood talked about the need for children to become involved in physical activity to help form healthy habits early in life.
“There are more than 48,000 Queensland children getting less than one hour of physical activity each day.
“Low physical activity has a direct impact on mental health, quality of life and can lead to chronic disease later in life if children are not given the skills to become active.
“It’s great to see the AOC partnering with the Queensland Government to inspire children in remote and regional areas to become more involved in active sport. I thank the athletes going on this tour and inspiring children in Indigenous communities to set goals in all aspect of their lives.”
Tokyo 2020 silver medallist and proud Wulli Wulli and Goreng Goreng woman from Kingaroy Taliqua Clancy, said Olympics Unleashed creates a sense of realism to the Olympic dream for children in these remote regions.
“We’re working with the communities to build relationships and inspire young people using the power of sport. We want the children from all over Australia to connect with the Olympic dream and strive to produce the best versions of themselves,” said Clancy.
“I’m extremely proud to be deeply involved in this tour and I’m really looking forward to sharing our stories with Aboriginal communities and Torres Strait Islander communities and helping to inspire the next generation of First Nations athletes.”
You can find out more and register your school for a visit at www.olympicsunleashed.com.au
