MESSAGE FROM NATALIE COOK
| A year after the greatest sporting day of my life, I returned to the scene to find Bondi restored to its beautiful old self, water lapping onto the sands of gold a gentle breeze blowing across the surf. There was no evidence of the stadium that held 10,000 screaming fans chanting "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi Oi Oi". The memories are still strong of adrenalin charged feelings of that day, of playing the game of my life, of stepping onto the podium with Kerri Pottharst, to receive the accolades of the crowd and to be crowned Olympic Gold Medal Champions, of hearing Advance Australia Fair sung thunderously by proud Aussie fans and of watching the Australian flag dancing in the breeze. While Beach Volleyball competition was acknowledged as the greatest spectacle of the Sydney Olympic Games, testament to the appeal of the sport, I remember my struggle to taste Olympic success. And of the many thoughts and emotions I felt at that moment I heard the national anthem play, I made a promise to myself to not let my sport or that moment in time fade away to nothing. I was determined to leave a legacy for the sport - not my Olympic medals but rather the creation of opportunities for others to follow in my footsteps and for them to create new paths of their own. I have been blessed by having many wonderful people in my life. They have provided guidance and offered inspiration. Thanks to them I have been able to take advantage of the many opportunities that have been afforded to me and to enjoy the sport that I love. I am thankful for those opportunities and believe I can in turn to provide opportunities for others to be part of the greatest game under the sun. And so SANDSTORM was born. To everyone who is willing to step out of their comfort zone to chase their dreams, here is your opportunity. Beach Volleyball - It's not just a game; It's a way of life. Yours on the Sand! Natalie Cook, OAM 1996 Atlanta Olympic Beach Volleyball Bronze Medal 200 Sydney Olympic Beach Volleyball Gold Medal |
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MY VISION FOR SANDSTORM Sandstorm is a vision built from the growth of Beach Volleyball in this country and inspired by the success of Natalie Cook at both the Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games. Natalie's involvement with a number of Australian corporate entities has enabled the name of Sandstorm to move from corporate icons to be recognized as a sports leader in facility management, coaching and talent identification coupled with retail merchandising.
Sandstorm's vision is focused upon enhancing the individuals involvement of Beach Volleyball as a way of achieving great enjoyment and personal fulfillment. How do we move towards achieving our vision? By investing our resources and knowledge, and that of our associated partners, into the development of the sport. Sports development, is taken seriously at Sandstorm, after all it's our future. We have established each of our operations to serve as steps along the "Golden Pathway". Each of these steps is designed to promote and ensure the continued growth of Beach Volleyball as a popular sport in Australia and the Oceania region. CREATE - create the opportunity for people, of all ages, to play Beach Volleyball. INSPIRE - Inspire kids to get involved in sport so they can enjoy the benefits it offers such as exercise and social interaction. GUIDE - Educate players and coaches with the necessary skills to enjoy the game and provide tools for those who want to reach the higher levels of competition. PROVIDE - Provide all the necessary equipment and apparel for Beach Volleyball. PERFORM - Give all participants the opportunity to perform by conducting competitions for all ages, skill, levels for people to enjoy Beach Volleyball. |
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