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18 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 22, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com People make S.W.O.L.E. camp a success By Andrew Fruch SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Teaching children leadership skills is always important, but teaching those skills while providing a fun and entertaining experience for youth is what the Gameday's Get S.W.O.L.E. Sports leadership camp is all about. The camp was founded by former CFL player Orlando Bowen in 2006, and provides youth with a one week-long experience that mixes the fun of sports with learning essential life skills. "We were looking at ways for youth to better themselves and become leaders," said Bowen. "By helping them become the best they can be, and by providing positive role models and the framework to achieve." This is the idea behind S.W.O.L.E., which stands for Self respect, working hard, overcoming adversity and leading by example. S.W.O.L.E. has proven itself to be effective and beneficial for the approximately 40 kids, aged eight to 14, who took part in a recent camp. The week-long sessions were held throughout the month of August at St. Mildred's Lightbourn School, in the gymnasium. By employing proven physical and cognitive activities that help youth strengthen their core values and leadership qualities, the children are given the strength to overcome obstacles and champion life, Bowen says. "We appreciate the opportunity to work with youth in this capacity," said Bowen. "They (children) are the future of the world, and our job is to build into it as much as we can by teaching them the necessary leadership skills to succeed." During the last day of the camp, the children were running around, taking part in an obstacle course and their faces expressed their sheer pleasure. "The feedback from the parents has been incredible," said Bowen, a naturally charismatic leader who says he's always enjoyed being a around people. To help him with the camp, Bowen recruited professional athletes including three-time CFL AllStar, Grey Cup Champ and Toronto Argonaut Alumnus, Clifford Ivory CFL/NCAA Quarterback, Chuck Ealey and Women's National Rugby ASHLEA WESSEL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Team member, Brooke Hilditch. ADDRESS: Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory addressAfter the completion of the es youth graduating from Gameday's Get S.W.O.L.E sports leadership camp. week, a graduation ceremony was Founded by former CFL player Orlando Bowen, the leadership development proheld and the children were treated gram employs physical and cognitive activities to help youth strengthen their to a special guest, leader of the core values and leadership qualities. Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, John Tory. "The kids are having a ball," said Tory. "To me, this is all positive, and it should be repeated throughout the province." Tory believes activities like these for youth are good for helping to shape well-rounded people that will help to build strong communities in the future, adding "You're only as good as your neigbhour." Tory is also impressed with the work that Bowen has accomplished, and his dedication to the children taking part in the camp. "Orlando is a born motivator," said Tory. "I don't think you have to be famous for it. You just need good motivation. These kids will benefit from this experience and we will benefit as a result." The price to attend the camp is $349, but some sponsors helped to send kids to the camp such as Kerr Street Ministries, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the Community Foundation of Oakville. As to what makes S.W.O.L.E. such a success, Bowen credits the work of everyone involved in the camp. "It's the people," said Bowen. "Everyone here is dedicated. The passion of the staff is really what makes it special." Oakville Burloak JOIN US THURSDAY AUGUST 23 SAVE $30 SUNBEAM Water Dispenser with Storage (136311) Water bottle not included. reg. $69.99 reg. $6.99 (441291) reg. $339 16" Toolbox orange case (405288) ap1 16 piece Power Drill and Driver Kit with Nylon Case (486008) RIDGID 18V 1/2" Hammer Drill and Reciprocating Saw Cordless Combo Kit (468189) 25' x 1" Tape Measure with BONUS 6' Tape · High-visibility 08/22-2007 $ 3999 SAVE OVER 40% $ 399 WOW! $ 799 SAVE OVER 40% $ 199 WOW! $ 99 4 79- PG 001- BASE a- PRICE 1 08-13-2007 11:33:30 HOLD ON HOUSE, GRAND OPENING