Nova Peris, Patrick Johnson among Olympians heading to Katherine

Some of Australia’s most admired Olympians are heading to the NT to spread the Olympic spirit to remote schools. See who’s coming.

Nathaniel Chambers

2 min read

November 11, 2023 - 6:00AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

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A team of Australia’s best known Olympians is headed to the NT to spread the Olympic spirit into schools in and around Katherine.

The talented group includes the Territory’s own gold medallist Nova Peris, swimming champion Mack Horton and Australia’s fastest sprinter Patrick Johnson.

Also coming along is Danny Morseu, Mariah Williams, Brad Hore, Nick Timmings, Natalie Burton and David McKeon, as well as Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman and chief executive Matt Carroll.

Fellow Olympian Justin Anlezark will join the group in Katherine, where he currently teaches at Katherine High School.

Also joining the group is 12 Australian Olympic Indigenous Coaching Scholarship holders, who are receiving hands-on training before delivering a sports activity day to students.

Nova Peris is among the Olympians heading to Katherine for the Olympics Unleashed program. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The Olympians will deliver sessions from the award-winning Olympics Unleashed program, which includes face-to-face lessons on goal setting, decision making, overcoming hardships and finding passions.

Mr Chesterman said the program was part of the AOC’s deep commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, using the power of sport to change lives.

“We are very proud of the 60 known Indigenous Olympians who have represented Australia at Olympic Games over many decades,” he said.

“All Olympians have overcome enormous hurdles in their sporting journeys and their experiences are powerful lessons for school aged children on meeting challenges and making the most of life.

“It’s a privilege to have members of the AOC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee join us on the trip, including IAC chair and Australia’s fastest man Patrick Johnson.”

Champion swimmer Mack Horton is heading to Katherine. Picture: Michael Klein

Mr Carroll said a partnership with Toyota had helped deliver the scholarship program, which provides practical support for coaches in Olympic sports to further their careers.

“Last year our first scholarship holders completed their training in basketball, in conjunction with Patty Mills’ Indigenous Basketball Australia and our sponsors Toyota,” he said.

“These coaches will receive training in the early part of the week before they put their skills to good use with around 50 young athletes at a special sports day.”

The scholarship holders come from all parts of the country, and were selected by governing bodies Swimming Australia, Athletics Australia and Hockey Australia.

The week starts with an Olympics Unleashed program in Beswick and Barunga on November 13, followed by another session in Katherine the following day.