28 Feb 2008

Primary schools throughout Australia are taking part in a new competition aimed at motivating our Olympic Team at the Beijing Games. The AOC has challenged young sports fans to create a podcast highlighting their support for the Australian Team.

MEDIA RELEASE DATE 26 FEBRUARY 2008

PRIMARY SCHOOL ‘SHOW YOUR SUPPORT’ PODCAST COMPETITION

Primary schools throughout Australia are taking part in a new competition aimed at motivating our Olympic Team at the Beijing Games.

The AOC has challenged young sports fans to create a podcast highlighting their support for the Australian Team.

The podcast productions can include everything from comedy, singing, dancing and poetry. The ‘Show Your Support’ message competition will run for the five months prior to the start of the Games on August 8, 2008.

The AOC will select one entry from each state and territory to play to the 1000 athletes and guests, including the Prime Minister, at the Team Reception in Beijing on August 7th.

Students must imagine they can speak to the Australian Olympic Team on the eve of the Beijing Games. They have 90 seconds to encourage, support and inspire the athletes to do their very best at the Games.

“This is a great competition. I know the athletes look forward to receiving messages of support. They love to hear from people around the country,” said Australia’s most famous fan, Laurie Lawrence.

“In the past, it was letters and faxes, but now with the advancement of technology we can communicate on an even grander scale.”

The podcasts will also be published online in the BK Zone, bkzone.com.au, an Australian Olympic website for children.

Winning schools will receive Olympic memorabilia from the 2008 Games and participating students will be rewarded with Olympic merchandise.

“What I would say to the kids is don’t forget we have athletes competing in a wide variety of sports. Find out about athletes representing Australia in taekwondo, table tennis, badminton … they too would love your support,” concluded Lawrence.

The ‘Show Your Support’ message competition is open to primary schools. Competition details and Terms and Conditions are available from the AOC’s website, olympics.com.au. Entries close 5pm AEST, Friday 30 May 2008.

AOC

For more information contact AOC Education Manager Frances Cordaro on 0410 484 474.