annual camp.

The 2006 Junior World Long Jump Champion arrived in town on Saturday morning with an inkling of what might unfold over the next two days,

however by the time he left town on Sunday

afternoon he was an undisputed fan of the

program.

“It has been amazing,” Robbie said moments after the 24 participants from Cootamundra and

surrounding towns had completed their final task.

“I’ve never seen a program aimed in such a way.

“It’s so different from what I am used to as

normally we speak to younger athletes or school groups about training programs and nutrition.

“This program is all about developing leadership skills and it delivers that brilliantly.”

The 22-year-old Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder wasn’t simply about to watch on from the sidelines as the participants, all of who had been identified as leaders by their respective

sporting groups, schools or councils, took on the challenges of the various exercises.

Making himself one of the most popular guest

athletes in the 10-year history of the program, Robbie literally threw himself into every activity.

“I really enjoyed the raff building as that tested the participants on so many levels let alone trying to get the things to float, while the wheelchair basketball session gave me a great appreciation of the

challenges faced by our disabled athletes,” he said.

“In most of the activities you could really see the thought processes being put into place and they were a great bunch of kids who took in everything.”

Robbie also noticed the change in personalities as the weekend wore on.

“Early on Saturday morning they were a bit shy and reserved, but once they had met each other through the ice breakers and got to know each other they became more comfortable.

“You could see the characters developing over the course of the weekend and their leadership qualities came to the fore.”

The participants were aware of Robbie’s feats, with his gold medal jump of 8.00m at the World Junior Championships in Beijing one of his career highlights.

However, it was only when the actual distance of eight metres was laid out in front of them in the form of a human chain did they truly understand the

magnitude of his ability.

The Sports Leadership Foundation is all about improving the life skills of the participants.

However they aren’t the only ones who walk away from the camp better for the experience - Robbie Crowther is the latest person to attest to that.