The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) and School Sport Victoria (SSV) have extended their Be Fit. Be Well. partnership through to 2027, ensuring Victorian schools and communities are continually inspired by elite athletes.
Since 1994, the partnership has connected over 317,000 students with VIS athletes through curriculum-aligned sessions on resilience, goal-setting, physical activity and lifelong health. Working together, the VIS and SSV deliver this community program at no cost to government schools statewide, reaching metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria.
“When our athletes walk into a classroom, students see possibility,” said Nicole Livingstone AO, VIS Chief Executive Officer.
“They see what dedication, resilience and passion can achieve. These aren’t distant figures on a screen, they’re Victorians who trained in local clubs, studied in Victorian schools, and have either reached the peak of their sport or are like them, working towards a goal,” Livingstone continued.
“Through our partnership with SSV, we endeavour to reach as many school-aged children as possible, ensuring each one has the chance to hear from an elite athlete. Someone who started in a classroom just like theirs and chose to pursue excellence. That connection builds healthier communities and inspires the next generation.”
This tradition of athletes inspiring students is one that VIS alumni themselves have experienced firsthand.
Dr Lauren Burns OAM OLY, taekwondo Olympic gold medallist, VIS alumni athlete, and now Chair of the VIS was previously involved in the program from 1995 to 2000, when it was known as the Sports Persons in Schools Program.
Reflecting on her experience, Burns said, “I will always remember and cherish the hundreds of school talks I gave and the incredible students I connected with. I have had many people over the years share that they remember me speaking at their school and how the messages resonated for them in their own lives. One of the most memorable and truly full-circle moment was when three-time Olympian and Olympic gold medallist Kim Brennan came up to me and said, ‘Lauren, I remember you speaking at my school. It made such an impact on me and made me realise the mindset I needed to pursue my dreams. I thought, that is the mindset I need to have to be an Olympian.’”
This story is a powerful example of the lasting impact of the Be Fit. Be Well program. As chair of the VIS, Burns is excited to see and hear the inspiring stories that will emerge over the next two years.
“There are many benefits from sport that extend beyond the court, pitch or field. Connecting Victorian students with the sporting journeys of our elite Victorian athletes helps to reinforce the important role that playing sport can provide students in setting goals, overcoming challenges and in being healthy and active,” said Rayoni Nelson OLY, SSV CEO.
The Be Fit. Be Well program is a great complement to the opportunities provided to students across Victoria to play a range of sports through SSV’s extensive school sport program.
Extended through to 2027, Be Fit. Be Well ensures Victoria’s students continue discovering that elite sporting success is born in their own schools, clubs and neighbourhoods with the chance to hear from Olympic and Paralympic medallists.
Schools interested in hosting Be Fit. Be Well sessions can contact [email protected], or book now. The program remains free for all government schools statewide.
