Mentor, Canadian Paralympian Snowboarder Michelle Salt.

 

Starting in September 2017, teachers in the southwest, and across the country, will be partnering with Canadian Olympians and Paralympians.

Steve Mesler is a former Olympic Gold Medalist and Co-Founder of the Classroom Champions Project. He says, "Classroom Champions is an organization that is a registered charity here in Canada that matches Olympians and Paralympians with classrooms across Canada. We focus on places where kids need just that extra bit of support and teachers need that extra bit of support, whether they be in certain areas of cities or in rural communities across the country and we have our Olympians connect with those classrooms through technology."

The Shaunavon Public School has been a part of the Classroom Champions Program for the past four years. Principal of the School, Dale Ross, says it's a real learning experience for his Grade Six class. "The different topics the Classroom Champions discusses with the kids include community friendship, goal setting, leadership, and perseverance. And it gives specific opportunities for kids to look at those ideals within themselves and maybe what they want to do in the future and how they might be able to get there."

With the support of Crescent Point Energy, Classrooms Champions currently supports teachers and classroom besides Shaunavon, in Consul, Gull Lake, Eastend, and Cabri.

The School Mentor is Canadian Paralympian snowboarder, Michelle Salt, who will be visiting schools in the southwest the first part of May.

Teachers have until May 1, 2017 to apply for the 2017-2018 program. To apply, go to www.classroomchampions.org/apply.