Western Australian Olympians Nina Kennedy and Nicholas Timmings will leave their pole vault and sled behind as they jet off to the East Kimberley region to visit communities in Kununurra, Halls Creek, Wyndham, Frogs Hollow and Warmun.
Instead, they will pack a suitcase full of fun, plenty of insight into what it takes to become a top athlete representing their country and inspiration for our future sports stars.
Their visit kicks off the 2022/23 Olympics Unleashed program which will see different Olympians tour remote towns and regional communities in the East Kimberley, followed by further visits to the Mid-West, Peel and Great Southern regions over the next six months.
The Olympians will take part in community events, sports awards and volunteer functions and share their experience of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of sport.
They will also talk about the mental and physical benefits of being involved in sport and recreation at any level, finding their passion, setting personal goals, overcoming challenges and being their best selves.
The Olympics Unleashed WA program is funded by the McGowan Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. For more information, visit www.olympicsunleashed.com.au or follow along on social media via #OlympicsUnleashed.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"Promoting participation and achievement in sport to support a healthy lifestyle is a key focus of the McGowan Government.
"However, it is also important to remember that there is so much more to reaching the pinnacle of sport - the Olympics - than being physically capable. It takes resilience, perseverance, and dedication amongst other things.
"These are qualities that can benefit us all in everyday life, and it is wonderful to see our Olympians sharing their stories of success and setbacks with people in regional WA.
"The Olympics Unleashed visits are a welcome addition to our community sporting calendars and I hope they will help inspire a new generation of local sports stars."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"Having two Olympians in the Kimberley will be a great boost for local kids because you can't be what you can't see.
"By seeing these stars up close and hearing their stories, young kids from across the region will be inspired to reach for the stars in whatever they do.
"It is a fantastic program that delivers on so many levels."
