Konnor and Semir work together during the beep test.A NEWLY formed partnership has helped young people in Casey get fitter and faster while expanding their friendships.
Operation Newstart Casey youths tested their fitness levels during a variety of activities which were planned, developed, and recorded by students involved with Sports Education and Development Australia (SEDA).
Operation Newstart is a joint initiative between Victoria Police, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Connections, designed to help keep students engaged in education.
SEDA is an innovative program which provides recognised qualifications in sport and recreation.
The partnership gives youth the opportunity to meet other people while physically challenge themselves, Victoria Police Youth Resource Officer Leading Senior Constable Christine Atherton said.
“The partnership gets these young people out of their comfort zones and puts them into a situation where they have to learn about something new and take direction from people their own age who act as their mentors,” she said.
“We’re delighted that we’re bringing young people together because we hope that when Newstart finishes, they have a new set of goals or a different outlook on their fitness levels.”
The partnership benefits both Newstart youth and SEDA students, Fountain Gate campus SEDA facilitator Rob Hastings said.
“This experience is invaluable for both sets of students and helps develop positive links that have the potential for tremendous long term benefits,” he said.
“We are all looking forward with great enthusiasm to this innovative partnership.”
Operations Newstart Casey youths had their final fitness check-in with SEDA students on Tuesday last week, before they graduated on Thursday 18 June.
Facilitators track students’ progress for a period of two years on the completion of the program.
