At the beginning of 2013, Jack Bartkowicz was already an accomplished sportsman and a leader at school. Now, armed with new skills thanks to the Western Bulldogs’ Whitten Project, he feels even more confident in his ability to achieve his goals and help others.
A year nine student at Brookside College, Melton, Jack found out about the Whitten Project though his school.
“I’m the school captain, so I got nominated [for the Whitten Project] through our School Captain Representative… I was quite interested in it,” said Jack.
“I really… thought to myself that this would be a good opportunity to expand on my leadership, my skills, and it’s done exactly that.”
The keen cricketer and footballer jumped at the chance to engage with Australian sporting role models and with an AFL Club through the Project.
“I’ve met Tutty (Jason Tutt), Dale Morris, Brendan McCartney, Jason McCartney, and they’ve really touched base and shown me that persistence in being a leader is a really good thing,” Jack said.
“Jason McCartney came in and talked about how the Bali Bombings affected his life, and persistence really got him back where he was, playing footy again - that really changed my perspective on life as well.
“One of my key morals now is persistence is the key to life. You have to keep trying to learn - not only that, you have to keep trying to be able to succeed.”
With a desire to promote the virtues of team sport to primary school kids, Jack recently organised an after-school football clinic at Brookside College along with a fellow Whitten Project participant.
The activity melded with the Whitten Project’s 2013 theme of sport and community clubs for all.
The clinic itself was a great success, resulting in approximately 100 year two students participating.
Jack recalls spotting “a few kids there who had never played footy learning how to play, which was really excellent to see”.
“We actually interviewed a few of [the year two students]… and they really enjoyed it. They learned a few extra values like teamwork and helping others,” Jack explained.
“I got some feedback from [the principals and teachers] as well and they thought we did an excellent job.”
Reflecting on his time in the Whitten Project, Jack is grateful.
“I just feel as though I’ve learned. I’ve gone over and beyond, which is an excellent thing for me… everything has added up and I’ve even reflected on some sessions where I’ve gone ‘yeah, this is where I can improve on day-to-day living’,” he said.
The Melton City Council, Jack’s local government, was one of several western suburbs councils to support the Whitten Project with resources and mentoring for participants.
Jack, a Carlton supporter, hopes to study sports science after finishing school.
