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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.