In March 2003, New Zealand schools with students aged 8 to 14 years old, were invited to submit an artwork for entry for the 10th International Children's Painting Exhibition, an exhibition dedicated to the Olympic and ParaOlympic Champions of the World. The artwork was to reflect on the symbols and messages of peace and the traditions of the Olympics – see Gwen Marvin's Visual Arts Planner, Level 3 and 4. Royal Oak Intermediate School (Word, 46kb)

There were 13 New Zealand entries, of which five paintings were chosen to be part of an exhibition that will be displayed during the Olympic Games, being held in Greece, in August 2004.

The students who attended the function at Parliament on Friday 6 June 2003 were from left to right are: Kurtis Papple, Wanganui City College, Teresa Captein, Te Awamutu College, Manisha Mistry, Strathallan College, Emma Wallace, Royal Oak Intermediate, and Marcus Patman, Diamond Harbour School.

The students' artwork was displayed in the Beehive Foyer from 3-6 June and travel was arranged for the five finalists and a parent to travel to Wellington to meet the Minister.

The paintings selected have now been sent to Greece and will be hung in an international exhibition of students' work during the Olympic and ParaOlympic Games. One or two paintings will be selected from each country and will be reproduced in a book. The students that have work in the book will receive a copy of the book and also a medal and a prize.