Olympic medalist mentors to Gainesville fourth-graders

GAINESVILLE - David Oliver, a U.S. track and field Olympic medalist, recently introduced himself to Michelle Daily's fourth grade classroom at Fair Street International Baccalaureate World School in his first video blog. Oliver, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and American record holder in the 110-meter hurdles, will be a mentor for the 25 students in Ms. Daily's class as he competes around the world.

Oliver is a classroom ambassador in affiliation with Classroom Champions, a non-profit organization founded by 2010 Olympic gold medalist Steve Mesler that connects Olympians and Paralympians with high need classrooms around the nation. While Mesler was en route to making history by winning the first four-man bobsled in 62 years for the U.S. team in 2010, he engaged several classrooms throughout the country on his personal journey. Thus, the success of this pilot program evolved into Classroom Champions.

"The mission of Classroom Champions is to inspire, motivate and educate students in high need schools," Mesler said. "We want students to recognize their potential, set goals and dream big." Participation in this program offers students an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop a relationship with a top Olympian while learning to embody the Olympic ideals of goal setting, perseverance, and achievement.

Mesler reached out to Oliver and fellow Olympians and Paralympians to get involved as classroom ambassadors. Athletes included in the 2011-2012 program are Olympic cyclist Giddeon Massie, Olympic weightlifter Natalie Burgener, Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medalist Mary Allison Milford, Olympic gold medalist basketball player and WNBA star Sue Bird, Paralympic track and field world champion Jerome Singleton Jr., and Olympic bronze medal swimmer Kim Vanderberg.

Classroom Champions targets elementary and middle schools where at least fifty percent of the student population is eligible for free or reduced price lunch. Out of hundreds of applications, Dailey was one of only twenty eight teachers selected to participate in the program during the 2011-2012 school year. Students from Dailey's class will interact with Oliver by Umi Telepresence and will record messages using a Flip HD video camera. Through blogs and live video chats, the class will learn about goal setting and gain digital literacy as they engage with Oliver throughout the year as he embarks on his journey for a second Olympic bid.

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Classroom Champions is seeking donations from the community to support the local classroom. Donations will directly help purchase products and tools to help implement the program.

For more information or to view featured athlete-student interactions, please visit www.classroomchampions.org. Interviews with Mrs. Dailey's classroom can be arranged by contacting Amanda Bird and Julie Bearman at [email protected].