Count-down to Calgary
Individual training:Varies between skill categories but often involves weekends and after work sessions. The Experts have all developed a Training Plan for their competitor.
Experts are in regular contact with other Experts from around the world, preparing for the competition including designing the competition projects, finalising equipment, etc.
National Office & Technical Delegate working on the logistics of getting the team and their tools to and from Calgary.
Everyone is busy fundraising buy a variety of means – from gaining major sponsors for the category through to holding fundraising dinners and selling raffles.
Specific Dates:
8-10 May – Team Camp at Burnham Military Camp, Christchurch. Team building and essential information on the International Competitions Experts and Competitors meeting to further training
18-24 May – Australian Mock International Competitions New Zealanders and Aussies battle it out in Newcastle in a tough 4-day practical test of skills. It’s just a “Friendly” competition – yeah right! Great training exercise.
31 July – 2 August – Team Camp at ETCO Training Facility, Auckland. Uniforms issued, Final details organised, and pep-talks given. Farewell Function for the team at Government House, hosted by His Excellency the Governor-General, Annand Satyanand.
26 August – Experts and Technical Delegate fly out of Auckland Airport at 9:30pm. Arrive in Calgary at 9:35pm (having gained a day somewhere over the Pacific!).
29 August – Competitors, Team Leaders and Official Delegate fly out of Auckland at 7:15pm. Arrive in Calgary at 9:35pm (they gain a day as well).
1-7 September – The competitions! 4 Days of intense practical competition. It’s not all stress as there are some excursions organised, so the team will get to see a bit of Canada as well as visit a local school which has taken the New Zealand team as “their” team.
8 September – Tired but triumphant the team leaves Calgary at 2:55pm and arrives back at Auckland Airport at 6:40am on Thursday 10 September 2009.