Primary school students with a passion for problem solving can now learn from some of Australia's top athletes, with registrations open for the 2026 AIS Problem Solvers Program.
Athlete ambassadors including Olympic hurdler Alanah Yukich, Paralympic triathlete Liam Twomey and Melbourne Mavericks netballer Kimberley Brown will spend the next nine months helping hundreds of students unpack a real-world sporting challenge.
Now in its fourth year, the program asks students to make a sport of their choice more inclusive, accessible and engaging. Over several weeks students then follow an AIS-designed guide before presenting their solution back to the athlete.
Olympic curler and former world number one Dean Hewitt will draw on his experience on the ice.
"Curling is a constant problem-solving sport, often described as chess on ice. We continually set goals and objectives, assess the information in front of us, anticipated possible outcomes and determine the best solutions to achieve our aims," Hewitt shared.
Olympic silver medallist Iona Anderson said the initiative is a powerful way to give back.
"It's the perfect channel to educate and motivate young students to think laterally, look past proposed barriers and make a positive difference to the future," Anderson said.
Each athlete brings a wealth of experience - with qualifications spanning biomedical science, business, biology, teaching and psychology.
Australian paddler Aiden Carberry is eager to share insights from both sport and study.
"Mechanical engineering has sharpened how I break complex challenges into clear steps, test ideas and learn from feedback. I want to share those skills with young people so they can apply the same approach to sport, study and everyday life," Carberry said.
The program also gives students the chance to learn about a wide range of sports and the opportunities it presents.
"Sport has given me opportunities, lessons and perspectives that have shaped my life well beyond the pool," water polo Olympian Lena Mihailovic said.
"This program allows me to share those experiences with young people and show them that challenges can be exciting opportunities to learn and grow."
The AIS Problem Solvers Program is free and aligned with the Australian school curriculum, integrating lessons across science, humanities, arts and economics.
Open to students in Years 4-6, schools can apply now here.
Proudly supported by HART Sport - Australia's leading supplier of sporting equipment and training aids - the program reflects HART Sports' mission to get everyone active, regardless of age, circumstance or ability.
2026 ambassadors:
Aiden Carberry, Paddle Australia Alanah Yukich, Australian Athletics Alexander Edward Rossi, Rowing Australia Dean Hewitt, Curling Australia/Olympic Winter Institute of Australia Iona Anderson, Swimming Australia Isla Watson, AusTriathlon Kimberley Brown, Netball Australia Laura Trezise, Archery Australia Lena Mihailovic, Water Polo Australia Liam Twomey, AusTriathlon Olivia Parker, Lacrosse Australia Stefanie Fejes, Volleyball Australia
