Athletes of the Future

Athletes of the Future is a three part event at Eric Hamber.

The first component was a day long event at Eric Hamber under the same name which involved more than 2,200 participants aged 11 to 50+ which includes approximately 200 grade 11 and 12 youth leaders from the high school. Grade 6 and 7 students from surrounding elementary schools were led by grade 11 and 12 leaders and teacher supports on a torch relay procession around the school after being welcomed on the field by trumpeters and Winter Game athletes. The torch relay led into the school auditorium where participants experienced an Opening Ceremonies which included Paralympic videos, student dance performances, and Paralympic athlete guest speakers. Following the Opening Ceremonies, the elementary students returned to share their experience with their respective schools. After lunch, all grade 8-12 Eric Hamber students attended  various workshops which included guest speakers, wheelchair sports, dragon boating, soccer, poetry, improv, arts, a debate, nutrition, tuque making, music, dance, composting, politics, an amazing race, and an injury prevention workshop. There were27 possible workshops for the 1500 students.

The 200 student youth leaders split themselves into various committees to plan out and prepare for Athletes of the Future and combined for over 1400 hours of logged volunteer time. The Athletes of the Future logo was chosen through a logo contest and was designed by our own Doris M. A “deck the halls” contest also inspired students to decorate their lockers to brighten the halls of Eric Hamber. All this, of course, held on to event theme of student leadership, community, social awareness, and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

The second component of Athletes of the Future is The 2010 Student Experience blog. A place to connect students across Canada during the Games by sharing their experiences, observations, and thoughts.

Finally, Athletes of the Future includes Hamberfest. During the games, a large screen and audio will be set up in the school to broadcast live coverage of the Winter Games and Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be invited in to speak to students. Teachers will have the opportunity to sign up for hour long sessions to watch the Games with their class. Providing live coverage during school time helps teachers to connect the Games with in-class teaching and learning through the use of Olympic-related assignments, discussions, and reflections.

Check us out on the official Vancouver 2010 Winter Games website!!! –> Athletes of the Future

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