06.10.2008

Australian Youth Olympic Festival - Athlete nomination form

Were you born in 1992 or 1993? Nominate now for the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

The Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) is an initiative of the Australian Olympic Council (AOC). Beginning in 2001, this legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic games is a vehicle to provide athletes of the future with a simulated Olympic experience. The AYOF promotes the Olympic ideals of friendship, solidarity, and fair play.

In its inaugural year, the Australian team included Sean Wroe, Dani Samuels and Lachlan Renshaw who are current Olympians and ambassadors for the sport of athletics both in Australia and internationally.

At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, eighty-two past AYOF participants represented their country. From those, eight individual medals and seven team medals were won.

Two of Australia’s athletics medallists 100m Hurdler, Sally McLellan and 20km and 50km race walker, Jared Tallent, represented Australia at the AYOF in 2003 and 2001 respectively.

As part of the AOC’s commitment to the development of Olympic sport and junior athletes in Australia, the AYOF is calling for selection for the biannual event which will be held in Sydney 14-18 January 2009.

Accredited athletes will gain exposure and education in an international multi-sport event environment to the culture and feel of an athletes’ village, welcome packs, ceremonies and event protocols including drug testing. For many athletes, it is an opportunity to glimpse what they hope will be their future.

The 5th AYOF will boast 2500 athletes and officials from 22 sports showcasing their passion and drive as they continue their journey through sport on the world stage.

Do you aspire to follow in the footsteps of event ambassadors Dani Samuels and Lachlan Renshaw to the AYOF and beyond?

Complete an online registration form before THURSDAY 23 October 2008.