The finish line is fast approaching for the Netball SA Academy athletes competing in the virtual race from Gawler to Sydney.
Since the race kicked off in April, the athletes have “travelled” to many towns and cities between the two checkpoints, working together to make their way to the Harbour City.
In addition to the physical element of the trip, the athletes have also budgeted for their accommodation, food, incidentals and tourist attractions.
Netball SA’s Product and Pathways Manager Roz Fraser said she has been most impressed with the athletes’ abilities to find innovative ways to complete the challenge.
“The teams were very enthusiastic at the start and some of the challenges given to them along the way have been very inventive,” Ms Fraser said.
“The highlight has been watching the teamwork and how certain athletes have led their teams - in some cases not even who were originally nominated as team leaders.
“This is so important moving through the player pathway as it is not just about on court performance.”
With COVID-19 taking its toll on the netball community, Ms Fraser said the challenge has been a great way to keep the athletes connected during such a tough time.
“Having them in teams that are not their actual Academy groups has hopefully given them an insight into how working with people you have never met can be beneficial and take you out of your comfort zone,” Ms Fraser said.
“When COVID hit and everything stopped so suddenly there was a risk of players losing interest in everything.
“Having tasks and a focus has hopefully helped with getting through lockdown and returning to netball.”
The final outcome of the race be revealed when the participants are all together at the Academy Games this October.
