For Immediate Release:

March 16, 2011

The Ontario Olympic Youth Academy (OOYA) is a three-day leadership conference that brings together high school students from across the province to discuss issues ranging from the Olympic values, history, and philosophy, to the activities of the Canadian Olympic Committee. OOYA is a joint effort between OFSAA and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC).

Students from Grades 9-12 will be selected to learn from and interact with Olympic athletes, organizers, and committee members, as well as members of the Canadian and International Olympic Committees. They will take part in panel discussions, group workshops, opening and closing ceremonies and lots more. 

"Having been a guest speaker of the Ontario Olympic Youth Academy, I can tell you what a great program it is," says Vicky Sunohara, member 2002 Team Canada’s Gold Medal winning  . "This program helps to spread the Olympic ideals and values to high school students throughout the province and challenges them to share Olympism within their own communities.”

OOYA focuses on developing leadership skills in an environment that promotes friendship, inter-cultural understanding, harmony and fair play. Upon completion, OOYA graduates are expected to return to their schools and communities as ambassadors for the ideals of Olympism.   Please find attached a promotional flyer and information sheet with this email.  Please circulate and register now for this amazing opportunity!

Register now at www.ofsaa.on.ca under the “Conferences and Events” or go to:
http://www.ofsaa.on.ca/site/index.cfm?DSP=Section&ID=23 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, March 31, 2011

OFSAA is a federation of 18 regional school athletic associations throughout the province. Comprised of student-athletes, teacher-coaches, teachers, principals and sport administrators all committed to the philosophy of Education Through School Sport, OFSAA provides provincial championships for student-athletes, as well as programming which enhances education through school sport in Ontario. For more information visit www.ofsaa.on.ca.

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• OOYA.doc (Full media release)