Students across the nation are being invited to cheer on their favourite Australian athletes from their own desks ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Schools and their students are being encouraged to put pen to paper and come up with creative and innovative messages to inspire and lift the spirits of their Aussie sports heroes through Australia Post's Letter Link program.

Already, over 1300 schools have registered nation wide with Australia Post posties already delivering student letters to the Olympic Village.

To inspire and encourage their favourite Australian athletes, students have written directly to athletes like Grant Hackett (swimming), John Steffensen (athletics), Michael Diamond (shooting) and Lauren Jackson (basketball).

Since the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, over 850,000 letters to Australian athletes have been delivered as part of the program. Australia Post anticipates delivering its one millionth letter during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"It is great to receive letters at the Olympic Village to inspire you to perform at your best and also to show how much support you have back home," Olympic swimmer Jessicah Schipper said.

Schools can register for the program by ordering special pre-addressed envelopes for their students via the information kit sent to their schools or by visiting www.auspost.com.au/letterlink.  

One talented student, whose letter is judged the most entertaining and well-written, will win their school a visit from an Australian Olympian and a $2,000 cash prize and $500 for themselves.

New South Wales students are being encouraged whilst they compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games through the Australia Post Letter Link program.

Australia Post's Letter Link encourages students to write directly to their Australian Olympic heroes, including New South Wales athletes.