This article was written by Bryden Chew, the In-Charge (IC) of The Junior Olympics Event and a member of the Community Involvement team representing the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) Student Council.

The Junior Olympics, a sports day event, was specially curated for children from underprivileged backgrounds by the RMIT Student Council. A part of RMIT Student Council’s commitment is to give back to the community, hence the event was more than just a recreational activity. The initiative aimed to create joyful memories, foster confidence and ensure that every child felt valued and supported.

Purpose: Sports as a Catalyst for Joy and Confidence

The idea behind the Junior Olympics was to give the children the chance to play and make new friends. We worked closely with a third-party partner, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, to bring this vision to life and design a full day of sport activities, prizes and meaningful interaction. We believe that sports is a powerful tool to promote inclusion and teamwork. Many of the children may not have regular access to such opportunities, so giving them a day to shine meant more than we could have imagined.

Lasting Impact

For many children, this was their first experience participating in a sports event. Some expressed how it made them feel like they belonged, while parents and social workers shared how meaningful the event was in fostering inclusion and joy. It served as a powerful reminder that a few hours of thoughtfully planned fun can leave behind lasting, positive memories.

Overcoming Challenges: Driving Participation and Engagement

As with any initiative, the Junior Olympics encountered its share of challenges, particularly in garnering student involvement amidst a busy school calendar filled with competing events. The organising team adopted a multifaceted approach to raise awareness and sustain engagement. The organising team utilised social media campaigns, hosted smaller promotional activities and shared real stories to showcase the significance of the event. These strategies helped build awareness and encourage support across the school.