Imagine having an Olympic athlete in the classroom as a virtual mentor for the students? That is a possibility, thanks to the Classroom Champions program.

The program will pair teachers in the Lower Mainland with Canadian Olympians and Paralympians, with the athletes using video lessons and live video chats to engage students and encourage them to recognize their potential, set goals and dream big.

As part of the program, participating classrooms are equipped with the latest technological tools to help teachers incorporate digital engagement into their curriculum.

Canadian Olympic sprinter Akeem Haynes will be the designated mentor for any 91原创 classrooms who are accepted into the program. Haynes helped Canada win bronze in the 4x100 relay at the 2016 Summer Games.

鈥淎s a kid, I didn鈥檛 have a mentor growing up,鈥� he said.

鈥淭o be able to mentor these classrooms is something that I hold close to my heart, so I can show them that I am here to help them dream big and achieve these goals.鈥�

The program begins in September and is offered through Shaw Communications Inc.

鈥淭hese passionate Olympic mentors bring important life lessons about fair play, positivity, goal-setting and perseverance,鈥� said Chethan Lakshman, vice-president of communications and public relations for Shaw Communications.

鈥淎nd we鈥檙e pleased this program will provide children 鈥� an opportunity to engage and benefit from their experiences.鈥�

The deadline to apply is May 1. Eight Lower Mainland schools will be selected.

To apply, .