camp overview

As you are probably well aware, Cootamundra is the birthplace of the late Sir Donald Bradman, by all accounts one of Australia’s greatest ever leaders.

In 1998 our Foundation was formed under the guidance of Cootamundra Shire Council, with a view to establishing and operating an annual sports leadership camp for 14 – 18 year old potential leaders from the town and surrounding areas.

Although the camp was originally designed to operate within a 50klm radius of the town, its success and demand has seen the participant catchment area increased to 93,674 square km's (approx 1.5 times the size of Tasmania).

Participants are nominated for participation by their schools, sporting clubs etc, with each nomination then being endorsed and supported by their local Rotary Club in each supporting town. A total of 30 participants are then selected to attend the camp.

From its inception, the camp has not been aimed necessarily at the elite athlete, but more at those who have displayed both team and or individual leadership skills within their chosen field of endeavour.

It should be noted that participation is not limited to players, but is also available to the many other contributors to sport, such as umpires/referees, administrator's etc.

The camp is staged over two days, where the participants are set a wide and varied range of challenges designed to enhance existing skills and nurture new ones.

The Foundation has been very successful in its ability to secure athletes of the highest calibre to participate as camp leaders.

Olympic Gold Medallist Mark Kerry in 2000 - Olympic Gold Medallist Duncan Armstrong in 2001 - Golden Girl Susie Maroney in 2002 - Olympian Clementine Stoney and Paralympian Richard Nicholson in 2003, with Australian Netball star Joanne Morgan and dual gold Paralympian Heath Francis hosting in 2004 and Olympian Sarah Ryan and Queen of Paralympics Sport Louise Sauvage in 2005.

Each of whom have caught the ideal that we are trying to promote, and have brought their own brand of individual magic to the camp and its participants.

Our next camp is on 28th & 29th November 2009

Click on the orb to fill out an ONLINE application