Olympics
NBC Olympics, Classdojo, and Classroom Champions Launch Learning Series 'Heart Of A Champion'
Olympics
NBC Olympics, Classdojo, and Classroom Champions Launch Learning Series 'Heart Of A Champion'
Apr 12, 2021
Stamford, CT
NBC Olympics, ClassDojo, and Classroom Champions have partnered to connect children with Olympic and Paralympic athletes in a new exclusive learning series, “Heart of a Champion”.
In this unique series, children hear stories from elite U.S. athletes about building important life skills such as perseverance, courage, and goal setting. Children can follow the athletes on their journey to make the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams for the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
Each athlete will share their experience with one important social or emotional trait. An especially notable athlete in the 10-part series is Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field Olympian of all time. Winning her first international title at the age of 15, she has now gone on to hold more world championship and Olympic titles than any other female track athlete. Her episode on courage relates her journey on the track to the courage students use in the everyday classroom setting.
The following athletes and topics are featured in the series:
- Allyson Felix (Track & Field) - Courage
- Christian Taylor (Track & Field) - Goal Setting
- Chuck Aoki (Wheelchair Rugby) - Perseverance
- Emily Regan (Rowing) - Teamwork
- Lex Gillette (Track & Field) - Feedback
- Sophia Herzog (Swimming) - Diversity
- David Boudia (Diving) - Focus
- April Ross (Beach Volleyball) - Community
“Heart of a Champion” will be available to the public for free at ClassDojo.com/heart and distributed for free to all classrooms on ClassDojo. Children deserve access to the world’s best learning experiences and role models. This series ends a difficult school year with an inspirational series encouraging students to strive for greatness amidst challenges.
“For decades NBC has been bringing the extraordinary stories of Olympic athletes to life,” said Jenny Storms, Chief Marketing Officer, Entertainment and Sports, NBCUniversal. “Through our partnership with ClassDojo and Classroom Champions, we are excited to connect these athletes with millions of students and to share their inspirational journeys in order to help kids succeed in sports, in the classroom, and in life.”
Sam Chaudhary, CEO of ClassDojo: “Sonia Sotomayor said that ‘a role model in the flesh provides more than inspiration...his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt, saying, ‘Yes, someone like me can do this.’’ We couldn’t be more excited to give children everywhere the chance to hear stories from inspiring role models like Allyson Felix, and other extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic athletes on the road to Tokyo.”
“Olympians and Paralympians are the most inspirational athletes our country has to offer to help kids see their potential. As these athletes put their long-standing dreams on hold through the first Olympic and Paralympic postponement in history, there’s no one better equipped to teach kids about perseverance,” said Steve Mesler, Olympic Gold Medalist and Chief Executive Officer of Classroom Champions. “Our partnership with NBC Olympics and ClassDojo is an exciting step in getting the right people in front of millions more kids struggling to find role models in today’s world.”
“One of the most courageous acts one can do is be themselves, but it is also one of the most challenging life skills to learn or teach,” said Allyson Felix, 6-time Olympic Gold Medalist. “When the Tokyo Games were postponed, it tested these lessons once more. It took courage, perseverance, teamwork and my community as an athlete and as a mom, to keep my competition mindset for an additional year. It's because of these skills, that I'm once again ready to compete at the highest level.”
The Games of the XXXII Olympiad will take place July 23-August 8 in Tokyo, Japan. NBCUniversal will present more than 7,000 hours of coverage for U.S. viewers. The Tokyo Paralympics take place August 24-September 5, with NBCU providing unprecedented coverage.
