The Municipality of Lakeshore is embarking on a pilot project pairing students with Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The project is Classroom Champions' first foray into community-based programming. Usually, school boards deliver the program.
"I am very excited to partner with Lakeshore to expand the impact of Canadian athletes, their mindsets, and social and emotional learning skills to a community-wide project like this," said Classroom Champions co-founder and CEO Steve Mesler.
The program starts January 10, 2023, and is open to students aged eight to 12. Over 20 weeks, students will participate in weekly classes at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre. There is no fee for registration.
"My journey as a national team athlete in two sports has taught me a lot, and I still have so much to learn," said Erica Voss, a member of Canada's 2022 Olympic Bobsleigh team. "Interacting with high-achieving athletes growing up was a source of guidance and inspiration for me, and I am so excited to now be a role model for the next generation."
The non-profit said students who take part see significant improvements in the classroom.
"Exposing students to elite athletes and their incredible stories of determination and resilience will positively influence participants' performance, both in the classroom and in the broader community," added Division Leader of Community Services, Frank Jeney.
To register for the program, call 519-728-2700 ext. 0 or email RecInfo@Lakeshore.ca.
