Role Model Circuit: One Station per Real Athlete

Six stations, each with a card about a real athlete and a movement challenge from their sport. Students practice a variety of skills and meet role models of both genders, Olympic and Paralympic.

How to play

1. Introduce the stations and form groups of 4–5 (3 min).
2. Rotate through three 5-minute stations: Carolina Marín (Olympic badminton gold, Rio 2016): clears into a zone; Alexia Putellas (Ballon d'Or 2021 and 2022): passes to a cone with both feet; Gerard Descarrega (Paralympic 400 m T11 gold, Rio 2016, with his guide): a straight with tether and blindfold (15 min).
3. Rotate through the other three 5-minute stations: Ana Peleteiro (Olympic triple jump bronze, Tokyo 2020): hop, step and jump through hoops; Javier Fernández (two-time figure skating world champion): spins and one-foot balances; Teresa Perales (swimmer with a physical disability, one of Spain's most decorated Paralympians): seated arm circuit (15 min).
4. Wrap-up: each group shares the fact that surprised them most (2 min).

Rules

• Read the card before starting the challenge.
• At the blindfold station the guide doesn't pull the tether; walk or jog only.
• In the triple jump, land on two bent legs.
• On the whistle, leave equipment tidy and rotate.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who use wheelchairs: each station has a seated version (seated clear, hand pass, three chair pushes instead of the triple jump).
• Visually impaired students: run with their guide and share their experience at the Descarrega station.
• Hesitant students: choose the order of two stations.

Learning goals

• Practice movement skills from several sports.
• Meet role models of both genders, including Paralympians.
• Connect achievements with effort, not gender.

Equipment for a class of 25

• athlete cards: 6
• badminton rackets: 6
• shuttlecocks: 6
• soccer balls: 4
• short tether cords: 3
• blindfolds: 3
• cones: 20
• hoops: 6

Teacher tip

Check the facts on the cards before printing; US classes can add athletes like Tatyana McFadden or Simone Biles. Common mistake: reading the card on the run; allow 30 seconds of reading at the start of each station.

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