Optus is celebrating one year to go until Tokyo 2020 by officially joining the Australian Olympic Committee’s Olympic Unleashed program as presenting sponsor.

The Olympics Unleashed program delivers face-to-face lessons aimed at improving students’ ability to set goals, overcome challenges and build self-esteem.

Optus MD, marketing and revenue, Matt Williams said: “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee to include the Olympics Unleashed program, as it is imperative these types of role models are visible to Australian school kids.

“There is no doubt we are looking forward to seeing our Australian athletes compete on the world stage at Tokyo 2020, but we’re equally as excited to see the Olympics Unleashed inspire the next generation and change the future they see.”

More than 100 Olympians past and present, as well as athletes aspiring for Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022, are being trained by communications and education professionals to deliver the program, which currently runs in Queensland and NSW, and will soon be rolling out across Australia.

Optus Ambassador and five-time Australian Olympic swimming gold medallist, Ian Thorpe, says he is proud to be joining an important conversation.

Thorpe said: “As Olympians, we all have our own unique journey to share with these students.

“As a team, we are delivering the Olympics Unleashed program into schools to inspire students to pursue their passion and dreams.

“This isn’t just about inspiring students to become Olympians, it translates to students wanting to be future scientists, engineers, nurses or teachers.

“Whatever the aspiration, we will discuss the importance of setting goals and overcoming adversities along the way.”

AOC chief executive officer Matt Carroll said the AOC is delighted to have Optus driving the program forward.

“This is a significant undertaking which benefits young people across Australia.

“It simply isn’t possible to achieve our ambition with Olympics Unleashed without the generous support from Optus as our presenting partner.”

Olympics Unleashed will provide schools with lesson plans with each visit, that will reinforce the athletes’ messages and align with the curriculum.

The 2020 summer Olympics will take place from 24 July 2020 in Tokyo.

Optus is an Official Partner of the Australian Olympic team and the Australian Paralympic team until 2026, after signing a 10-year agreement with the Australian Olympic Committee.