PROGRAMS

POSITIVE-DIRECTION

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The ancient Olympic Games were the inspiration that produced more responsible and enriched citizens by training the body in sport and the mind in art, literature, poetry and music. Through the Al Oerter Foundation programs, the sport and art worlds unite to elevate the virtues of excellence above winning, encourage imagination, team-work and self-discovery. Activities working in tandem with art and sport exhibitions utilize the faculty of international Olympians to provide youth with unique opportunities of insightfulness.

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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

FAMILIES FIRST PROGRAM

The Families First Program aims to educate the community about Olympic values and the role in which they play in the pursuit of excellence in mind, body and spirit. Community members will explore Olympic History, discover Olympic values, and unlock possibilities for a positive future through sport, art and the power of healthy living.

New York City

New York City

Hartford, CT

Hartford, CT

COMMUNITY CONNECTS!

AOF believes that individuals and families from diverse backgrounds should be able to laugh, learn, and grow together in a comfortable, fun and stimulating environment. Our Olympian family of artists will speak to community organizations and visit schools highlighting their Olympic and artistic achievements to inspire everyone with the Olympic ideals of excellence, respect and friendship. These ideals promote a united community for cities to flourish.

Queens, NY

Queens, NY

St Louis Missouri

St Louis Missouri

YOUTH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

IMPACT!

AOF Impact! Programs are designed to make a lasting impression on participants through a combination of academic, behavioral, social and physical values and life lessons. Active and interactive programs and exhibitions let youth test and explore their own capabilities—enabling them to understand the importance of stimulating the mind, developing a passion for action and healthy living. Through special programs and exhibits, AOF teaches children and their families to engage with the world in which they live through creative arts, healthy livings, sports, social role-playing and much more.

Olympian Shannon Miller with students

Olympian Shannon Miller with students

Olympian Sam Thayer

Olympian Sam Thayer

Through partnerships with local schools, AOF hopes to change the learning landscape by implementing value-based educational programming. Students participate in a series of lessons on ‘Discovering the Power of You’. Students learn about the History of the Olympics and the development of its core values. Through activities students will learn how to connect these values to daily activities and learn valuable life lessons. Learning to appreciate cultures, maintain healthy and active lifestyles and push one’s creativity energy will enable children to achieve excellence while building character.

A teacher’s guide and curriculum with credits resulting in nominations for the Al Oerter Champions of Inspiration is being developed.
Individual lessons will focus on history, culture, sport, role models, arts and the setting and achieving of goals.
This is a low cost program, which could have high impact!
Olympian Emanuela Pierantozzi Italy sculpture

Olympian Emanuela Pierantozzi Italy sculpture

Olympian Jean-Blaise Evequoz Switzerland

Olympian Jean-Blaise Evequoz Switzerland

ART AND POETRY / WRITTEN WORD CHALLENGES

Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington

Student art and poetry challenges consist of contests that focus on issues that feed the spirit and promote Olympic idealism and philosophy. The Olympic Creed reads: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements Contests: AOF uses the Four Agreements in schools to inspire communities as they see the art and poetry of their students in relation to these life objectives: Be impeccable with your word; don’t take anything personally; don’t make assumptions; or always do your best.

Peace Run Contests: AOF partners with the Sri-Chinmoy One-ness Home Peace Runs worldwide for students to share their voices of peace through the creative arts. Olympians join to offer words and present medals and certificates.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida

San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA

International Day of Happiness Contests: AOF celebrates this day proclaimed by the United Nations and works with schools, missions and embassies. Students from different cultures come together illustrating their voice for happiness. Olympians join to offer words and present medals and certificates.

United Nations Mission Contest

United Nations Mission Contest

Bellarus Winner

Bellarus Winner

The Story Of A Girl

The Story Of A Girl

The Story of a Girl

I once heard a story of a girl
in school,
Who acted fake and tried to
be cool.
She twisted words and lied
all around,
You could search but no
good was found.

The girl with curls had a big
naughty mouth,
With words like knives
dying to come out.
She used the power of her
words for gossip and hate,
And soon found out she was
left with no date.

Earth Day Contests: AOF conducts contests with schools and parks offering children to show what Earth Day means to them. Olympians join to offer words and present medals and certificates.

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AL OERTER CHAMPIONS OF INSPIRATION

The Al Oerter Champions of Inspiration Award Program asks schools to recognize students who are working to do their best every day. The award is set to honor students who demonstrate overall excellence as well as to recognize the work of teachers and administrators at those schools in producing and nurturing our future leaders.

 

To be considered for the Champions of Inspiration Award, students must demonstrate excellence in the following areas: academic achievement, athletic and artistic endeavors, and strength of character, leadership skills, and school and or community service. The award also considers students who have shown dedication and determination in overcoming adversity.

Champions of Inspiration Award

Champions of Inspiration Award

London Awardees

London Awardees

GOLDEN SPIRIT

Many of the great modern-day Olympic Athletes are those who have never won a medal, but who truly embody Olympism. By implementing Olympic values in their daily lives, particular people have shown exemplary behavior. AOF works within communities to honor those who embody the Olympic Spirit. This Award commends those and is given to students and community citizens who serve as an example.

HSH Princelbert II of Monaco

HSH Princelbert II of Monaco

Olympic Legend Tommie Smith

Olympic Legend Tommie Smith

Dr. Sherry and Bonnie Blair

Dr. Sherry and Bonnie Blair

Mayor Sutton and Bob Beamon

Mayor Sutton and Bob Beamon

Media

Art of the Olympians (AOTO) is an Al Oerter Foundation (AOF) program run by Olympian and Paralympian artists. Our unique platform shows the connection between sport, art and the Olympics and celebrates the Olympic and Paralympic athlete, while promoting Olympic ideals and values.