Olympic Medalist Invites Inner City Youth to Madison Square Garden for Inaugural Visa Championship Series Track & Field Event
Queens, NY, Students to Meet Mentor and American Record Holder for First Time
Since September, Oliver has been communicating with Kivelson's class as a mentor on topics ranging from goal-setting to inspiration through 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. The program targets elementary and middle schools where at least 50% of the student population is eligible for free or reduced price lunch.
"After months of video correspondence with David, the children really idolize him and look up to him as a role model," says Lois Kivelson. "Seeing their excitement upon learning they would get to meet their hero and watch him compete was really very emotional for me."
Oliver will be competing in the men's 50 meter hurdles at U.S. Open Track & Field at Madison Square Garden, the first event in USA Track & Field's 2012 Visa Championship Series. Last year, David ran a record time of 12.94 in the 110 m hurdles at the Nike Prefontaine Classic, earning him the 2011 Outdoor Visa Champion title.
"Working with Classroom Champions to instill the importance of integrity and honor, whether in academics or athletics, has been a great experience," Oliver says. "I believe that it's important that we teach our children how to have a physically active, inspired, drug-free life, and I'm excited to meet some of them in person and have them see me demonstrate the values we've been talking about over the past few months as I compete."
Out of hundreds of applications, Kivelson was one of only 28 teachers selected to participate during the 2011-2012 school year. Kivelson's students interact with Oliver through video blogs and live video chats as they engage with Oliver throughout the year as he embarks on his journey for a second Olympic bid.
Media are encouraged to view Oliver's videos to the students on the Classroom Champions website at http://www.classroomchampions.org/athletes/david-oliver/. Interviews with Kivelson's classroom can be arranged by contacting PR@classroomchampions.org.
