The following information will provide you with the background and philosophy on the Sportspersons in Schools Program (SPISP) and demonstrate how your school can become involved.

Background
The SPISP is an initiative of the Department of Education & Training and is conducted in partnership with the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). It is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to encourage participation in sport and physical activity. The SPISP aims to promote the value of an active and healthy lifestyle by utilising elite level athletes as role models.

The Program
The SPISP is available to both primary and secondary schools across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Each successful school receives 2-3 visits by a nominated athlete. There is no cost involved, however, it is essential to indicate on the submission form how the program will enhance your school’s curriculum program, in particular, how it will be used to promote active participation in sport. The SPISP is not designed to provide coaching sessions, however, students may have the opportunity to participate in activities relating to the athletes’ sport. Many of the athletes involved in the program have represented Australia at Olympic or Paralympic Games and are able to provide the students with rare insights into the minds and aspirations of sporting champions.

School Requirements
To ensure that this program is successful and that the participants gain the most benefit from the role modelling, all schools involved in the program are required to:

• Submit an application form outlining how the SPISP will assist in meeting the school’s curriculum objectives
• Brief the participants about the pending athlete visit (an athlete profile will be provided prior to the first visit)
• Speak with the athlete following the initial visit to plan the objectives of the subsequent visits
• Encourage the participants to think about what the athlete has shared in the session and to complete any follow up activities the athlete may have suggested
• Complete an evaluation form after the final visit and return it to the VIS.

How to Apply
An application form should be completed and returned to the VIS. The teacher nominated on the form will be the contact person at the school for the athlete and the VIS. Please ensure that this teacher is available on the day to assist with the coordination of the visit. Please note that because there is an allocated number of available visits per year, all submissions will be processed on merit in order of receipt.

Duty of Care
It is the school’s responsibility to maintain an appropriate “Duty of Care” and therefore you must ensure that a teacher is present throughout the duration of each visit.

For more information
Please contact Charlotte Gray, Marketing & Community Projects Coordinator
Phone: (03) 9425 0042 Email: charlotte.gray@vis.org.au