Elite athletes team up with schools to inspire young problem solvers
Ten athletes are heading back to school to help young Australians tackle problems, think creatively and connect with sport.
Aussie Stingers player Luci March, Australian boxer Adrian Paoletti and two-time Olympic sailor Olivia Price are among the lineup of ambassadors for the 2025 AIS Problem Solvers Program.
“Sport has always taught me how to think clearly under pressure, break down problems and use frameworks to keep learning through every setback,” Price said.
“I’m excited to share that mindset with young students and show them that problem-solving is a skill anyone can build with the right tools, a bit of courage and a willingness to try.”
Now in its third year, the program sees elite athletes present primary school students with a sporting challenge that encourages outside-the-box thinking.
Over several weeks students work together to solve the problem with the help of AIS-designed resources, before delivering their solution back to the athlete.
Among the four returning ambassadors is Para Matildas co-captain Carly Salmon, who’s passionate about making sport accessible for all.
“I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months of age and was told I would never be able to play sport,” Salmon said. “I worked hard to defy those odds and have now competed in athletics, volleyball and soccer at an elite level.
“Having accessible opportunities to participate in physical activity and the education to increase my health has had a profoundly positive impact on my life.”
Olympic kayaker Yale Steinepreis agrees and is also excited to return.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to visit schools and speak with future problem solvers about how we can create meaningful change, not just in sport and their given problem, but in their own lives as well,” Steinepreis said.
Many athletes balance dual careers, bringing diverse expertise to the classroom. This year’s cohort includes three teachers, an osteopath, an engineering student, a creative industries student, a lawyer and a member of the Army Reserve.
“As a teacher and athlete I am passionate about education and youth development,” Melbourne Mavericks netballer Kimberley Brown said. “Now I’m using my experience and leadership to inspire the next generation both in the classroom and through sport.”
Two-time Olympic rower and returning ambassador Ria Thompson said students also gain insight into the life of an athlete and the opportunities sport can unlock.
“I love sharing what I’ve learnt through my life and journey as an athlete to help the next generation build resilience, find solutions and make a positive difference in the world,” Thompson said.
For the athletes, the experience is just as meaningful.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me to engage with the next generation,” Paoletti, who fights in the 92kg division, said. “Ultimately I am grateful to be able to give back to the community and build strong connections along the way.”
The AIS Problem Solvers Program is free and on offer to all students in years 4-6. Schools can apply here.
Proudly supported by HART Sport – Australia’s leading supplier of sporting equipment and training aids – the program’s inclusive approach reflects HART Sports’ mission to get everyone active, regardless of age, circumstance or ability.
2025 ambassadors:
Adrian Paoletti, Boxing Australia
Aiden Carberry, Paddle Australia
Carly Salmon, Football Australia
Katerina Paul, Snow Australia
Kimberley Brown (nee Jenner), Netball Australia
Luci Marsh, Water Polo Australia
Olivia Price, Australian Sailing
Ria Thompson, Rowing Australia
Stefanie Fejes, Volleyball Australia
Yale Steinepreis, Paddle Australia