The Australian Youth Olympic Festival 2007- Beyond medals to athlete perceptions

Following the success of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the Australian Olympic Committee developed the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) to be a lasting legacy of the Games. There have been four AYOF since 2001 and the mission is to "discover future Olympic champions, provide them with an environment reminiscent of an Olympic Games and promote the Olympic ideals of fair play, honesty and pride in your country " (www.olympics.com.au). The AYOF is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, and in addition to the mission outlined above, sees the AYOF as "preparing athletes for competition at the highest level and enables them to become role models for future generations " (Australian Olympic Committee, 2007). The AYOF are modeled on the Olympic Games and include an Opening Ceremony, lighting the Olympic flame, the parade of nations, living in an athletes village and medal ceremonies. The 2007 AYOF included 1600 athletes representing 23 nations, competing in 16 sports spread over 13 venues. The model of the AYOF is based on sporting competitions (between athletes not countries), ceremonies (opening ceremony recognizing diversity and demonstrating unity), village life (fostering friendship and understanding through a shared experience) and a cultural festival (incorporating culture, arts, education and sport). Athletes participate in a celebration that promotes the balanced development of the body, will and mind through sport and the Olympic ideal. The slogan is "See tomorrow's Olympians today". In 2007, New Zealand sent a 248 strong team to the AYOF comprising 177 athletes, coaches, managers and support staff. The AYOF is regarded as a critical step for young rising athletes on the path to the Olympic Games. The AYOF provides one of th