Katie conquers the Kokoda Trek
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 2nd November, 2009
Katie conquers the Kokoda Trek
This year Parramatta RSL has sponsored Katie Skinner, 19 years from West Hoxton for the October 2009 Kokoda Trek.
This adventure has been the experience and challenge of a lifetime as she battled Mother Nature and the grueling trek that is Kokoda.
Katie Skinner said, “I didn’t really have a great idea about what to expect on the track but early on in the trip I was finding it very hard being away from home with no friends or family members. But I soon made friends and learnt that without the friendships I made on the track I wouldn’t be able to get through without their support. The Australian soldiers had great mateship that carried them through the bad times. I would like to carry this in my life by not judging people before you know them and by trying to encourage people more because sometimes a small word can make a big difference.”
To be selected for The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge, the applicant must demonstrate that it is something they aspire to do. The program will only benefit those who appreciate the privilege of being chosen and who are willing to learn about the Kokoda campaign prior to their departure. They also need to be willing to commit to a rigorous physical training program to ensure they are physically capable of completing the program. Angela Pike has demonstrated this and thus was successful for the scholarship.
President and Chairman of Castle Hill RSL Warren Glenny said, “Katie Skinner has shown great enthusiasm and aspiration for the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge. On behalf of Parramatta RSL we would like to congratulate her on successfully walking the Kokoda Trek. We hope this is an experience she will hold dear to her for the rest of her life.”
The RSL and Services Association has two sponsorships for young people looking to stretch their physical and mental boundaries and develop their leadership skills.
The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge (KYLC) is a peer group leadership program promoted by the Association and overseen by the KYLC Benevolent Fund. The program was developed in consultation with former army Major, Charlie Lynn, of the trekking company, Adventure Kokoda.
The Challenge is aimed at young people at school or disadvantaged or unemployed young people in the community who are having difficulty in finding their way in society. It is also used to encourage young achievers with natural leadership skills.
There are many benefits for those who participate in the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge. They gain:
• An appreciation of our military history;
• A respect for the sacrifice made by young Australians of a previous generation;
• An appreciation of a culture whose values are not based on materialism;
• A sense of responsibility for the outcomes of the choices they make;
• An appreciation of the qualities necessary for effective teamwork i.e. loyalty, trust, honesty, courage, leadership, respect, discipline and sacrifice.
• An understanding of the characteristics of Australian leadership;
• An appreciation of the 7 essential understandings of effective leadership (self, others, culture, environment, history, present and future).
• An understanding of the purpose and value of community service.
Media Contact:
Melanie Morson
Group Marketing Manager Castle Hill RSL Group
Phone: 88584818 or 0419 461 454
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)