In February, TP Dynamics sponsored Canberran Nicole Bell to participate in the Terry Campese Foundation’s Special Forces Challenge. The Challenge saw a group of local businesspeople take on a gruelling series of physical and psychological activities over 30 hours, across 2 days. We caught up with Nicole last month to hear more about her experience with the Challenge.
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TPD: Congratulations Nicole! How did it go?

Nicole: The challenge was fantastic, really pushed me mentally, emotionally and physically. I am not even sure if I’ve fully recovered just yet! I’ve never quite done something like that before, and it was so incredible to have the support of the 19 other recruits, and military staff over the weekend to help get me through

TPD: What did you learn from the challenge?

Nicole: It really showed how powerful our minds are for getting through difficult situations, especially under immense fatigue. We had minimal sleep and hiked upwards of 45km over the 30-hour period. You could imagine the fatigue we were under, and how then the smallest of things were making us uncomfortable, like the weight of our bag and even just a blister on my foot. While teamwork was paramount, it highlighted each of our individual strengths and weaknesses, and showed how we can be better humans in our everyday life.

TPD: Why were you drawn to this particular challenge?

Nicole: I know I’m physically strong but I wanted something to challenge me, more than what going to the gym could. You don’t grow unless you do things out of your comfort zone! This challenge was about discipline, determination and drive – and I wanted to prove to myself I’m strong mentally/emotionally as well as physically.

I’ve grown so much as a person since the challenge, but also, we’ve grown as a cohort and the comradery we have is something so special. All having gone through the same thing, hardship and experience, we bonded. It was also incredibly humbling.

TPD: Tell us more about the impact of the challenge.

Nicole: The funds raised through the Special Forces Challenge will go a very long way in supporting underprivileged youth in our community, to live brighter lives and better futures. We met many of the youth enrolled in the Terry Campese Foundation programs on the Sunday morning. The hardship we were put through during the 30 hours was all worth it, seeing the smiles on their faces.
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Congratulations again, Nicole. We’re so proud of you for completing the challenge!