Ellia Green was part of Australia’s winning women’s sevens team at the recent Rio Olympics.

She was in town on Friday with Member for Farrer and Minister for Sport Sussan Ley as part of celebrations marking one year of the government’s Sporting Schools program. 

On arrival at the school, Parkview Public principal Travis Irvin said she was “swamped” by the students. 

“Ellia was fantastic with the kids,” he said. 

“As soon as she walked in she handed her gold medal to one of the kids to look at and they passed it along to each other while she signed autographs. 

“She was really friendly and the kids just loved her.”

Mr Irvin said it was a memory they would be able to look back on for the rest of their lives. 

“It’s definitely not every day you have an Olympic gold medallist at the school,” he said. 

Ms Green was able to help spruik being active to the students, with Parkview Public one of the schools that has received funding under the Sporting School initiative. 

Ms Ley was happy to bring the excitement to Leeton.

“This is a program that’s way ahead of its target to get 5760 schools funded by July next year,” she said.

“With the additional $60 million the government is investing into this national program to expand its reach to years seven and eight, we anticipate the uptake will be just as enthusiastic.

“Plus, with the introduction of a new booking system which began this week, the ease with which schools can organise and schedule their Sporting Schools program, will add value to this initiative.

“Sporting Schools offers more than 30 nationally accredited sports from which schools can choose including rugby league, tennis and golf right through to water polo, orienteering and table tennis.”

Parkview Public has already used some of its funding to conduct an after school Aussie Rules program. 

Other sports will also soon be on the agenda. 

As part of the day, representatives also presented Ms Green with one of their special jerseys that were used to raise funds for Fijian residents following Cyclone Winston this year. 

Ms Green is of Fijian descent and was delighted with the gift.