Over 800 South Western Sydney public school students will be perform at the Tribute to Public Education, providing pre-match entertainment to the crowds at the Sydney Swans vs. Collingwood match at Telstra Stadium on Saturday, 23 June.

This is the third year in a row that public school students have the opportunity to sing and dance at the match in front of an expected crowd of more than 50,000.

“This event will showcase the talented student body of New South Wales schools and is a once in a life time opportunity for the students involved,” Deputy Director General Schools, Trevor Fletcher said.

“To be able to perform at such an event is both nerve racking and exciting for these students – but most of all a great testament to how well they can co-operate and work together.

“They are all from different backgrounds and joined together by the thrill of meeting the Sydney Swans and showing what they can do in front of their football heroes and the crowd,” Mr Fletcher said.

“By performing on the night they are truly champions in every sense of the word,” he said.

The popular Tribute to Public Education is proudly supported by Integral Energy, a long-standing sponsor of the Department of Education.

Sydney Swans Co-Captain Brett Kirk said that it was at school that his love of sport began.

“I first started playing football as a young kid at my school,” Kirk said.

“Being part of a team, and striving to do my best for that team was a great learning experience.

“I feel proud of the students performing tonight who are showing everyone the energy, determination and fun that can be achieved when we all work together.

“I’d like to give a huge thank you to the teachers and schools for the terrific job that they do in supporting our young champions,’ Kirk said.

List of schools performing: