The aim of the VIS Personal Excellence Leadership Program is to provide athletes with an opportunity to continue their professional development. The program assists participants to develop their leadership skills and discover – “what it takes to be a leader in today’s world”. Athletes are assisted in becoming more responsible decision makers and leaders within their sport/team along with analysing – “who I am, my actions, interactions and affects on others, as well as the impact I have on the world around me”.
Dual Paralympic and World Champion, Carol Cooke, participated in the 2017 program:
"I recently took part in the Personal Excellence Leadership Program. To be honest I wasn't sure if it was something that would add value to me, although I do love learning, even at my age! But I have been involved in a number of Leadership roles throughout my life, you see I have kind of done life a bit backwards. After a career as an elite swimmer in my youth I had two jobs, one as a police officer and one as a Manager with Australia Post, which put me in fairly large leadership roles. I had then since come back into elite sport, so I was concerned that I would be taking up a space that could have been beneficial to another athlete. But after going through the course I am happy that I said yes to it. I not only made some wonderful friends in the other athletes, but I learnt a lot. The course has had me re-evaluate how I communicate with others and also look at my own vision, mission and values. If you are ever given the opportunity to be a part of this Leadership Program jump in with both feet, it will be well worth it!"
Carol is pictured with Inspectors Jacqueline Curran and Caroline West from Victoria Police.
