Role Models and the Olympic Games

1. Role Models and the Olympic Games

2. Learning objectives • What is a role model? What attributes should a positive role model have? • What kind of role models have the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games provided for young people? • What legacy will the London 2012 Games leave? Icons key: For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation Flash activity. These activities are not editable. Teacher’s notes included in the Notes Page

3. Role models In groups, discuss your answers to the following questions: • What is a role model? • What attributes do you think a good role model should have? • Are celebrities examples of good role models? • Have the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games left a legacy of inspiration? • Does our society offer enough positive role models to girls and also members of vulnerable groups?

4. Role model attributes

5. Positive or negative?

6. Role model case studies

7. Messages from the Olympic games The Olympic and Paralympic Games have led the media to present many stories of inspiration and hope. Female athletes have shown clearly that a strong female role model is rarely size zero and must spend hours each week in training, in common with male athletes. Disabled athletes have celebrated their presence in the Paralympics by proving that disability is not a barrier to participation in sport.

8. Messages from the Olympic games This year, athletes from countries that have historically shied away from major participation have taken part, raising awareness of some smaller countries. Athletes from differing cultural and religious backgrounds have participated harmoniously. Can you think of any specific examples from the 2012 Olympics of different cultures coming together?

9. Opinions activity