Becoming a Junior Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador stands as a highly celebrated and unique opportunity for the region’s youth to take part in and in 2024, Cole Pontifex took full advantage of everything the amazing journey had to offer.
Eligible Junior Ambassadors, as part of the Burdekin Water Festival, are students aged 11 to 12 years of age who are currently enrolled in Year 6 or 7 within the Burdekin Shire. Clubs, schools, sporting groups and organisations are able to nominate an Ambassador for representation in the annual event and at the conclusion of the celebrations, both a Winner and Runner Up are crowned based on various determining factors.
In July of last year, Cole was introduced to the community as one of The Burdekin Academy’s 2024 Burdekin Junior Water Festival Ambassadors, an organisation he has been a valued member of since 2022. Cole initially set out on his journey with the hopes of meeting new people whilst inspiring other boys to join gymnastics and in reflecting on what he was able to achieve almost 12 short months ago, he cannot endorse the opportunity enough.
“Looking back on my Burdekin Water Festival journey, I feel very grateful for the opportunity as I am so proud of my time as an ambassador and have so many amazing memories,” Cole shared.
“My biggest takeaway was, take any opportunity that comes your way - no matter how big or small, take chances and give it a go!”
Cole was proudly awarded the title of the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Winner following on from the event’s conclusion in September of last year, and he hopes many more young people will put themselves forwards ahead of 2025’s Festival.
“To anyone thinking of becoming an Ambassador, put yourself out there and get involved,” enthused Cole.
“The Festival is not only a celebration of water in the Burdekin community but it is a way for junior and senior members to interact with the community and give back - you only get this opportunity once, and it is so much fun, so rewarding, and a great way to give back to your community organisation.”
Sarah Pontifex could not be prouder of her son’s achievements and after watching Cole’s self-confidence skyrocket over the course of his Ambassador journey, she hopes many more parents encourage their children to take part in the wonderful program.
“Cole’s time as a Junior Ambassador was such a positive experience as exposure to public speaking, interacting with community members, planning speeches, attending events, representing his organisation and fundraising all helped him learn and grow and he was so proud to represent and give back to the Burdekin Academy,” expressed Sarah.
“My message to other parents would be to encourage your children to participate - yes, it is a big commitment but overall, it is such a rewarding experience.”
“I am so proud of the young man Cole has become and his time as an ambassador has helped shape him as a person.”
Cole Pontifex was named the Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Winner in 2024 (Photo Supplied)
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