BACKGROUND:
The Real Aussie Kids Development Program (RAK) was the initiative of Businessman, David Morton and Olympian & Cycle Coach, Graham Seers, who saw a need to assist promising young cyclists who may have been overlooked by the State Cycling bodies, or, for financial reasons, may not have otherwise been able to fulfill their ambitions in the sport.
RAK is a non-profit organisation, based in NSW that was set up in 2003. It gives talented junior cyclists access to professional training and elite racing at a State, National and International Level.
The aim of the program is to move junior cyclists into the feeder system to professional cycling by instilling in young athletes an understanding of the disciplines, commitment and independence required to pursue a career at an elite level in Cycling.
The goal is not simply to focus on racing but also to experience the broader aspects of living the life of a professional athlete… how to look after themselves, living in a team environment, dealing with the media and importantly to provide for life after the sport through ensuring academic and personal development as part of their credentials.
The RAK philosophy emphasizes that results are not our first priority, rather, they are a natural outcome of achieving a balance between;
- training,
- health & diet,
- personal organisation, maturity and confidence,
- teamwork & sportsmanship
- presentation,
- maintaining & developing outside commitments and interests.
- Being a responsible member and contributor to your community.
The RAK Mission statement is taken from a quote by Mark Carnegie ( principal of the corporate advisory and private equity firm Lazard Carnegie Wylie)."Success means doing the best we can... with what we have. Success is in the doing... not the getting; in the trying... not the triumph. Success is a personal standard - reaching for the highest that is in all of us -becoming all that we can be. If we do our best, we are a success."
THE PROGRAM OUTLINE:
Between 10-15 riders are selected annually to participate in the RAK Program. These athletes are aged between 15-19, and may not necessarily be the best in their age groups, but display potential and commitment to their sport. RAK members usually remain in the program until they reach the U23 age category.
Riders are provided with coaching advice, training camps, assistance with bikes and equipment, team uniforms, various information and skills seminars (eg. Public speaking, diet advice, core strength training etc.), assistance with travel expenses.
Team members are required to fulfil training and racing commitments, maintain academic achievement and participate in community service activities throughout the year.
The Program includes both Domestic and International components. The Centre point of the program calendar is the annual six week overseas training camp, traditionally based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA.
Real Aussie Kids has a three tiered rider program allowing for development of riders at their relative level.
Scholarship Riders:
Riders in the Scholarship program will train and race extensively throughout Australia at a state and National level, they are also automatically eligible to attend the six week Overseas Training Camp. Scholarship riders, whilst they may not have reached their full potential, have already had a number of years in the sport and have demonstrated they are ready personally and physically for the rigours of the overseas Training Camp. Scholarship Riders are provided with a higher level of support and benefits.
Development Riders:
Riders have been selected because they display potential in the sport and will train and compete in Australia in readiness for possible inclusion in the overseas training camp the following year.
Sponsored Riders:
Sponsored Riders are athletes that have independent financial support and would like to participate in the overseas training camp . These riders will contribute financially to their expenses and will only be accepted after they demonstrate their ability to endure the rigors of the training regime and display the maturity required to live in a team environment. These riders will not necessarily become ongoing members of the team, but will be provided with a team uniform to be worn throughout the camp.
The "Sponsored Rider" program suits the rider who has prepared for, but may have missed out on selection in the Australian Junior World Road Team, by allowing them to experience international competition and training in a structured team environment.
APPLICATIONS:
RAK Team selections are made in October/November for the following year. Riders may submit an expression of interest in joining the RAK program by completing a RAK Rider Application form and submitting it to annie@magswitch.com.au
Selection of "Sponsored Riders" to join the Colorado Training camp will be made up to the second week of May each year. Riders wishing to register their interest must complete a RAK Rider Application form and submit it to annie@magswitch.com.au