Engaging through education
More than 138,000 Utah youngsters were able to attend Olympic events thanks to the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Education Programme.
Working with more than 25,000 teachers from 865 schools, the programme was set up by the Salt Lake City 2002 organising committee (SLOC) and launched in February 2001. Its total budget of $551,255 helped it embed the Olympic Winter Games into regular school curriculum.
A Games-time ticket distribution system was created as part of the programme and more than 138,000 students attended the Olympic Winter Games and Ceremonies. In addition, SLOC had had facilitated the attendance of more than 180,000 students in sport test events between 1999 and 2001.
In all, more than 600,000 Utah students engaged in the programme, from kindergarten to 12th grade (17-18-year-olds).
The programme supported the Utah State Core Curriculum and integrated all subject areas - emphasising social studies, art, music, languages and sport. Although there was no continuation of the programme after the Games, the initiative enabled teachers to integrate the Olympic values into the curriculum at 865 public, private and parochial schools.
A diverse range of other educational initiatives were created, promoting Olympic values and developing skills in sport, art, music, languages etc. Community service was promoted through the scheme YES: Youth Engaged in Service. The One School, One Country programme highlighted international friendship and understanding. Other initiatives focused on original music production and performance, and student art exhibits and pin design.
An Olympic curriculum was delivered through REACH - a resource and teaching guide with information and activities relating to Olympic traditions, sports and venues. It included Utah-specific information. These education efforts have inspired education staffs since 2002.