Utah 2034 launches Champion Schools 34 pilot in Utah elementary schools; first phase of statewide education strategy

Utah 2034 launches new education pilot programme based on OVEP

A new school pilot programme, “Champion Schools 34”, has been introduced by the Organising Committee for the Utah 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It adapts the concepts of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) into resources designed for Utah elementary schools.

A total of 72 elementary schools in Utah will participate in the programme, with resources based on OVEP.

OVEP has already been implemented in 138 countries and reached more than 60 million young people worldwide

To celebrate the launch, seven elementary schools will host an activity called “Opening Ceremonies”, which includes torch relays, parades of classrooms and assemblies with Olympians and Paralympians throughout September.

With the support of non-profit Ken Garff for Good, Utah 2034 has launched Champion Schools 34, a statewide education programme that brings the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements into Utah elementary schools.

The inaugural Champion Schools 34 pilot will be rolled out this autumn in 72 elementary schools. The programme is designed to strengthen literacy, increase school engagement and inspire long-term academic participation and success.

Each month, participating schools will focus on a different value, and the related activities will give students ways to explore each month’s theme both inside and outside the classroom.

The programme builds on OVEP , a series of free and accessible teaching resources developed by the IOC. Using the context of Olympic sport and the Fundamental Principles of Olympism to complement school curricula, the programme has been implemented in 138 countries and reached more than 60 million young people worldwide. Its concepts will now be adapted into resources designed for Utah elementary schools.

“OVEP has already demonstrated its impact on millions of children around the world and has become a pillar of the educational legacy of the Games, as shown at Milano Cortina 2026 ,” said Yasmin Meichtry, Interim Director of the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage.

“Utah 2034’s commitment to education, eight years ahead of the Games, is truly remarkable. We are incredibly excited to see an entire generation of children grow up with the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship on the road to the Games.”

The Champion Schools 34 pilot represents the first phase of a broader education strategy being developed through Utah 2034’s Education Committee . To celebrate the launch, seven elementary schools will host “Opening Ceremonies” throughout September, bringing the excitement and traditions of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements into their school communities. Ceremonies will include activities such as torch relays, parades of classrooms, assemblies with Olympians and Paralympians, and more.

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Key facts A total of 72 elementary schools in Utah will participate in the programme, with resources based on OVEP. OVEP has already been implemented in 138 countries and reached more than 60 million young people worldwide To celebrate the launch, seven elementary schools will host an activity called “Opening Ceremonies”, which includes torch relays, parades of classrooms and assemblies with Olympians and Paralympians throughout September.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games have the power to inspire people of all ages, and we want that inspiration to start reaching Utah’s young people long before 2034. Champion Schools 34 is an important part of our commitment to creating a lasting legacy by bringing the values of sport into classrooms across our state.