NSW sports schools designated ‘Olympic pathways’

Duncan Murray | February 6, 2023

Sports high schools in NSW will be designated “Australian Olympic Pathway Schools”, in the hope the initiative will attract and inspire the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians.

Under the new partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee, the seven public sports schools in the state will be able to use the Olympic rings and other official branding in their promotional material.

Sport Minister Alister Henskens announced the deal on Monday, saying today’s sports high school students would be representing Australia at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“The first-of-its-kind in Australia, this initiative will encourage even more high school students to reach for the stars, as well as provide programs to help young people stay focused and motivated while they’re studying and trying to forge a pathway in their respective sports,” he said on Monday.

The seven schools to receive the label are: Endeavour Sports High School, The Hills Sports High School, Hunter Sports High School, Illawarra Sports High School, Matraville Sports High School, Narrabeen Sports High School and Westfields Sports High School.

Throughout their history the schools have produced 32 Olympic-level athletes, including Tottenham striker, Kyah Simon, high-jumper Brandon Starc, Rugby player Maurice Longbottom and champion cyclist Kaarle McCulloch.

A $1.5 million boost to the “Olympics Unleashed” program would bring more athletes to visit schools across the state to help inspire students.

The funds will be rolled out over the next three years with the aim of offering a further 1800 schools inspiring talks by Olympians.

AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said the key to sporting excellence was aligning participation, pathways and high performance into a “virtuous circle”.

“To have this alignment at high school level is powerful, particularly as we look to Brisbane 2032 and beyond,” he said.