Southern Cross University puts Kokoka kids to the test

The 45 young people selected for the 2009 Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) will be put through their paces at the first training session of the season this Sunday, May 3.

Staff from Southern Cross University’s School of Health and Human Sciences will lead the physical component of the training with a series of fitness assessments at North Burleigh beach.

The University is the Education Partner for the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, which consists of intensive physical training, teamwork exercises and community service activities designed to help young people develop the self confidence, teamwork and leadership skills they need to realise their full potential. The 12-month learning program culminates in a visit to Papua New Guinea to work with local villagers and walk the real Kokoda Track.

Southern Cross University School of Health and Human Sciences lecturer Steve Cooper said the testing marked the beginning of the program for the 2009 ‘Kokoda Kids,’ who hail from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads.

“The first training session is designed to assess the fitness levels of the Kokoda Kids to give them a benchmark to work from,” said Mr Cooper.

“From the results, we will be making the suggestions to them on training and nutrition to help them along the way and keep them injury free.

“The assessments will include flexibility and muscular strength and endurance tests, as well as some agility games like relays and a tug-of-war that will emphasis the team work aspect that is so important for the Kokoda Challenge.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to help the kids and support such a worthwhile youth program.”

Kokoda Challenge Association chairman Doug Henderson said the Kokoda Kids would be meeting for training twice a week to take part in various activities including team building, night walks and weekend camps.

“The Kokoda Kids come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures but all share the common element of being at a crossroads in their lives,” said Mr Henderson.

“Our program has been running for five years now, and revolves around the values of endurance, courage, sacrifice and mateship – which are embodied in the Kokoda legend.

“We know from past participants that it helps young people to find direction and turn their lives around. It is literally life altering.

“These kids have committed to a huge personal challenge and it’s great to have the support and expertise of the staff at the University as they begin on their journeys.”

Media alert: Media are invited to attend at 10.30am at the northern end of north Burleigh beach as the Kokoda Kids take part in fitness tests and a tug-of-war run by staff from Southern Cross University’s School of Health and Human Sciences.

Photo: The 2008 Kokoda Kids get into training at last years' fitness assessments (high resolution image available on request)