Tags: Bribie Island Junior Surf Lifesaving Club. 2018 Commonwealth games. Nippers. Local Clubs and Groups.
SO MUCH TO REMEMBER
There will be many (I hope) who read my article in The Mini Bribie Islander about how eight Nippers from the Bribie Island Junior Surf Lifesaving Club was involved in leading out some of the teams at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony and, whilst there is no doubt that that involvement itself has left these youngsters with lasting memories, the experience has resulted in the Nippers coming home with so much more.
Mum to three of the lucky Nippers and Club Publicity Officer, Liz Palmer, told me that one of the most beneficial parts of their time at the games was the lasting friendships that were fostered with nippers from so many other clubs. ‘The kids began to mingle from the moment we arrived and a terrific bonding process occurred,’ said Liz.
‘Their common interests were instrumental in the process and they made friends with nippers from the clubs at Noosa, Maroochydore, Mermaid Beach and even Bundaberg. They even met Alexa Curtis, the winner of “The Voice, Kids” who is a member of the Tallebudgera club,’ she added. Liz recalled that when she and some of the Nippers visited the swimming events the following day, they got to meet Delta Goodrem who just happens to be a friend of Alexa Curtis due to having been her mentor during the competition.
During their time at the Gold Coast, there were occasions when the lucky eight had the opportunity to mingle with some of the athletes from a number of countries including the two hundred centimetres tall Australian Pistol Shooting gold medallist Dan Repacholi. ‘There were also so many other activities put on for kids during the games including what was called “The Biggest Singalong” which was set up like karaoke at Surfers Paradise,’ Liz told me.
‘There were a lot of microphones, all at different heights and big speakers as well as a really big screen and whenever a microphone was vacated, people would rush to get their chance,’ she explained. Liz said that there were also see-saws on the beach that lit up at night and in another area, Optus had a virtual reality tent set up.
The friendships that have developed during the time at the Commonwealth Games can best be summed up as being a very good example of how involvement in sport can create a beneficial outcome for all and from what I have heard, the Nippers are already keeping in touch through social media and, as another benefit, when they travel to the various carnivals that are held, there is a good chance that they will get to meet some of the friends that they have made at the games.
Although the Bribie Island Junior Surf Lifesaving Club Nippers season is now over, they will re-commence at the beginning of Spring so, if anyone would like to enquire about their children becoming a Nipper, they can call the club on 3408 1188 for all the details.
Other Articles
https://thebribieislander.com.au/local-orchestra-singers-group/
https://thebribieislander.com.au/bribie-island-clubs-groups-golden-entertainers-association/