It is part of the USOC’s "Thank you, Pyeongchang" initiative, a goodwill campaign aimed at contributing to the legacy of Pyeongchang 2018 and making an impact on the global community through the spirit of Olympism.

Three-time World Championship medallists and Sochi 2014 Olympic figure skaters Maia and Alex Shibutani will mentor students of Jinbu Middle School through virtual lessons leading up to the Games, culminating in an on-site visit with students in February.

In turn, Jinbu Middle School students will teach the Shibutanis, a brother-and-sister duo, about South Korean culture and what athletes and supporters can expect when the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics begin on February 9.  

Things that the students share will be incorporated into the Team USA Ambassador Programme, which is made up of athlete training sessions that all members of the US's 2018 Olympic and Paralympic team will attend prior to the Games.

"Maia and Alex personify the spirit of the Olympic Movement and are excellent ambassadors to represent Team USA in this youth mentorship exchange with the students of Jinbu Middle School," USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun said.

"We are grateful for the partnership of the Pyeongchang Organising Committee’s education team in facilitating this connection with the school.

"Team USA is thrilled to be working with and learning from a middle school that is at the heart and soul of Pyeongchang."

Starting in September, the Shibutanis will host a series of monthly mentorship sessions with students via video chat.

"We are so excited to be mentors to students who could be the next generation of Olympians in Korea," Alex Shibutani said.

"We’re very passionate about the Olympic Movement and the Olympic values, and we believe in their power to inspire and unite younger generations throughout the world.

"To be able to share this passion with the students of Jinbu Middle School is a huge honour."

To assist with the delivery of the programme, the Pyeongchang 2018 education team will be providing support, including the facilitation and coordination of the video chat sessions.

They will also provide guidance on the lesson plans and promote the mentor programme across all relevant education channels locally.

"The USOC’s initiative around mentorship of local students is a wonderful addition to the work we are doing with schools across the country in the lead up to the Games," Pyeongchang 2018 President Lee Hee-Beom said.

"This is an amazing opportunity for the pupils of Jinbu Middle School to interact, learn from and then meet Olympic athletes from the United States, and we hope that this will inspire many of them to take up winter sports and also give them a better understanding of Olympic values."

To begin the programme, the Shibutanis released a video for the students today - the first day of the 2017-18 school year - expressing their excitement to teach them about topics such as the Olympic values, health and nutrition, and what it takes to be Olympians, as well as to learn about Korean culture as they prepare to compete in the host country.

"To be able to learn about Korean culture and connect with the children of Pyeongchang is very special," Maia Shibutani said. 

"We can’t wait to get to know them and share what we learn with our Team USA team-mates, as well as share our experiences as Olympians and Team USA’s excitement to be in Pyeongchang."

Jinbu Middle School is a historic establishment located in the heart of the Olympic action.

Founded in 1952, the public middle school currently has 214 students enrolled, ranging in age from 13 to 15.

The Shibutanis are often referred to as the "Shib Sibs".

They have medalled at the US Figure Skating Championships for 13 consecutive years, at every level they have competed.