And the grass continues to grow!
Watered with Australia’s largest Nipper Clinic.
Nurtured with a What Ability experience.
Inspired by the elite racing at the annual Shaw and Partners WA Race Week.
The grass roots of Surf Sports within Western Australia and the greater Australian
community are in safe hands with our Race One athletes!
Returning home from her fourth annual week in the west, Race One Ironwoman Bella
Williams shares her experience and the privilege endured during her time involved.
“I absolutely love it,” she said enthusiastically.
“I love it, every year – I just love it! I’ve seen kids from the age of 8 who are now 12 and in
those 4 years watching them grow and develop within the water is the most special
experience!”
Taking her skill set both on and off the water to our Western Australian grassroot
competitors, Bella is impressed every year at the enthusiasm and the desire of the kids
wanting to soak up every bit of advice, skill and lesson offered.
“The Perth kids really, really hone into the experience,” she explained.
“They want to be a part of it and remember the day, they love sitting in little groups of 10-15 nippers and asking the questions, asking advice, what to do etc.
“I love to tell them to be a complete sponge – you’ve got the likes of Ali Day in front of you – take it all in!!”
Despite the weekly program being designed for the future of our sport, it’s Race Ones
incredible athletes that feel they too are gaining the rewards from the opportunity presented.
“I've always loved giving back to grassroots, and this week is a way that I am able to do this especially in the West where those kids don't receive as many opportunities as the kids on the East Coast do,” Bella shared.
“It is so rewarding, and I know every athlete that has been over for the past couple of years has been rewarded with the experience of helping out and giving back to our sport!”
Upon reflection Bella simply loves her week in the west!
“The opportunity alone is just a great experience; it’s the best day out!
“The vibes are always high, the day is always great, and I would never turn down the
opportunity to give back!”
Adapting to the Western Australian coastline, our Race One crew delivered a day that Bella says enabled a growth in confidence and skill across all age groups.
“The kids walk away with a greater confidence that they too, can go in the water and do what we do on the East coast,” she said.
“We focus on a lot of starts, both in and out of the water.
“In Perth the shore break is where a lot of the kids lack the confidence so judging when they dive or if they dive over the shore break, the urgency of getting in or out of the water and building those key skills to do so.”
Inspired by her own experience with a grassroots clinic growing up, Bella believes events
such as the Race One Nipper Camp can be a life changing day for nippers.
“I remember how excited I felt and the joy I had when I was there,” she reminisced.
“You meet a lot of different people from other clubs, you create lifelong friendships and you are exposed to the professional athletes of our sport, where you can draw such inspiration!”
Inspired.
Excited.
Growing.
Offering this annual opportunity to the grassroots of Western Australia and the greater
Australian junior Surf Lifesaving community throughout the year, we endeavour to create a momentum for greater participation and growth around the country.
For Bella Williams, it’s been an incredible 4 years, something she hopes will continue
alongside those kids who are still, hanging in there!
“Seeing the kids from 8 years old until now, 12 and 13 years of age, they’ve all grown up and they’re all still in this fantastic movement with us!”
We are watering the grass and watching it grow.
And, it may well be the greatest privilege we at Race One can endure.