The 2018 Commonwealth Games felt another step closer this week with the Champions 2 Country tour arriving in the South West.
Between Tuesday and Thursday, six WA Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes will visit Collie, Bridgetown, Australind, Bunbury and Busselton.
They will stop in at 13 schools and numerous sporting clubs during the visit to share their sporting experiences while providing inspiration on issues including teamwork, healthy lifestyles and leadership.
Athletes on the tour are track and field Paralympian Brad Scott, netballer Ingrid Colyer, gymnast Olivia Vivian, hockey players Jayde Taylor and Trent Mitton and Australia’s first Olympic medal-winning sailor Belinda Stowell.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Mick Murray said important initiative gave young students a chance to meet positive role models.
“We hope this tour inspires young people to overcome adversity and build resilience, to make their dreams come true with an understanding of the work it takes to get there,” he said.
“The tour also highlights the importance of supporting elite athletes because of their ability to inspire and empower others to be active, participate and get involved in the community.”
The tour, which was first run in 2011, is presented by the Western Australian Olympic Council and the WA Division of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association and supported by Sport and Recreation.