Corporate
AS A SPEAKER

Go Girl! Australian Natalie Cook clearly does just that. Not content with being a beach volleyball achiever at the highest level, no less than an Olympic Gold, she also writes books. Natalie’s motivational book “Go Girl – An inspiring journey from bronze to gold”, published in September 2001 is described as an “inspirational tale of courage and audacity”. On the cover, Natalie appeals to her readers “Achieve your dreams, Unleash your power”. This full time beach volleyball professional lives by the credo and it has secured her a place in the Olympic annals. Natalie first started playing beach volleyball in 1993 and turned professional just one year later. She has shared many of her career magic moments with Kerri Pottharst, including three 2001 World Tour podiums and four 4th places. Not bad for a season that could have been an anticlimax after snatching the Olympic Gold in front of a home crowd at Bondi Beach, Sydney 2000.

Natalie joined forces with Nicole Sanderson on their quest for more gold in Athens. After a successful 2003, culminating in a World Championship Bronze medal, Natalie suffered a serious shoulder injury which she carried for all of 2004. “Expecting to win an Olympic Gold medal with only one arm was my biggest mistake. I really did still believe we could do it”… And they almost did. After damaging her shoulder further she courageously battled to the end, losing narrowly to the USA in the Bronze match! Her courage and determination were inspiring to watch and will be placed in history as one of the gutsiest efforts given by an Olympic athlete.

So is there anywhere else to go? What does winning mean to this Olympic Champion? “Achieving my goals and influencing and motivating others to do the same”, she insists. And the next goal? “The World Championships as the Australians are yet to win a World Champs”. The challenge doesn’t stop. In 2008 there’s another Olympic medal up for grabs in Beijing. Natalie still has her best years in front of her but looking ahead past her active sporting life, she would like to be involved in the beach sport she loves. “I would like to build beach volleyball in Australia so that it is one of our high profile sports. I would like to give everyone the opportunity to play our great sport”.

Natalie’s presentation will captivate the hearts and minds of her audience with her tales of perseverance, passion and determination. Renowned for “walking on fire” Natalie’s life philosophy of “NO LIMITS” is reflected in her achievements and general attitude to every situation. She will leave listeners with the skills and tools to tackle any situation in their own lives.

“When running up hill, which we tend to do most of our lives, it doesn’t matter how many times you feel like giving up… as long as your feet keep moving.”
TESTIMONALS

Iwas particularly impressed at the way in which Natalie was able to weave very appropriate references to our business into her talk, and this really gave her talk added impact. Very many people commented about how much they enjoyed hearing Natalie speak – her relatable, lively approach, a great Aussie sense of humour, and a great story of ‘dream, struggle, and victory’.

Mike Taylor
Functions Manager
P.B. McKenna & Associates
My association with Natalie Cook goes back prior to the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996. Over this ten year period Natalie has proven to be an athlete of outstanding talent, commitment and passion. Natalie epitomizes the core values of Olympism through her fierce determination, will to win and a gracious competition demeanor.

She is a wonderful example to our youth displaying warmth and compassion to them as well endearing herself to the community at large with her vibrant personality. Natalie is undoubtedly the face of beach volleyball in Australia and continues to expand the sport through her marketing and business expertise. She is a credit to the Australian Olympic Movement and we are proud to claim her as a Queenslander.

Ian Guiver
International Olympic Commitee
Vodafone only has a handful of personal sponsorships - globally we're associated with Michael Schumacher, David Beckham and Megan Gale. Here in Australia we're delighted to sponsor Natalie Cook. Nat's a perfect ambassador for us - she personifies the Australian lifestyle and her never-say-die attitude perfectly represents our brand. She's a gifted communicator and we're proud that Nat's a part of the Vodafone family.

Michael P. Smith
Vodafone Pty Ltd
General Manager Queensland and Northern Territory
AS A BEACH VOLLEYBALL HOST

Since I won the Olympic Gold at Bondi in 2000, Beach Volleyball has developed to become a prominent sport with the Australian public. Everyday people want to get out on the sand and play this fun-filled exciting sport.

SO WHY DON'T YOU?.... IT'S TIME TO GET SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES...

What are the Benefits for Your Business?
* Improved communication providing increased productivity
* Re-enforcing teamwork to achieve an objective
* Interchanging of roles can provide an insight into staff leadership skills
* Re-energizing of staff. Physical activity improves health and well being

The world of sport is not that much different from that of the world of business. In fact, nowadays, it's difficult to tell them apart. In both arenas, "teams" have their "players". Each "player" has their own important role to play. Goals and objectives are outlined at the start of each "season". Plans on how to accomplish these goals are mapped out. Incentives are put in place. Regular assessments of the team's progress are made and any necessary adjustments undertaken. Teamwork and good communication are vital to achieve these goals and objectives. The overall success of the team is measured by how far the team has traveled from its initial starting point.

All of these elements are essential to the success of any business, or sporting team. Within a business we try continuously to improve team building with our staff and with our clients we are always trying to improve our client relationships. Team building with our staff has seen us traditionally move towards options such as work conferences and staff meetings. Work conferences are expensive, time consuming and limit the number of staff that can attend. Unfortunately after a period of time staff meetings become mundane and can become a venue for grievances rather than any of team building benefit.

With our clients traditionally these relationships have tried to be improved through lunches, dinners and corporate golf days. Due to ever increasing demands with our work and home environments, these options can be time consuming and difficult to arrange. Corporate golf days limit the number of people you can spend time with and can tend to alienate female clients. Quite often you leave your golf day having only spent a brief moment with the majority of your guests.
Through Natalie Cook and Sandstorm we are offering an environment that mirrors the world of business while placing a social aspect away from the office. Corporate Beach Volleyball provides you with the forum to actually spend time and improve your staff / client relationships whilst having fun.

Corporate Beach Volleyball is an inexpensive and unique way to develop interpersonal skills and interactions between your staff and clients. Improved relationships between yourself and your clients will lead to better results for your business.

At SANDSTORM we offer a variety of Corporate Packages as well as the opportunity for your company to hold one of the following:

Day /Half Day
A special day with staff and/or clients, for product launches or even monthly meetings. A short learn to play clinic with Natalie Cook (or other elite athletes), then we spilt you into teams and let you loose. We will arrange the tournament draw and prizes (if requested). Team building activities can also be included in the days activities. The day is tailored to your needs.

Meeting room facilities are available on site. Beach soccer and touch footy also available.
These special days can be held anywhere there is sand! From the Whitsundays, to Glenelg, to the middle of the cities (nothing a truck full of sand wouldn’t fix!)

Weekly / Monthly Beach Volleyball Competitions
Your company can hold a regular beach volleyball session to coincide with your weekly / monthly meetings. Benefits to your business would include enhanced productivity of meetings due to physical activity plus making your meetings something to look forward to.

Lunchtime Beach Volleyball Games (1 hour)
Choose from informal games with teams of 4 or 6 or maybe even a formal game with intra-company competitions run over a number of weeks.

Shower, restroom and kiosk facilities are available.
It is also a great family activity. KIDS WELCOME!

Want More Information?
If you like more information on Corporate Beach Volleyball, visit our Corporate Packages page and complete the Information Sheet and we can provide with preliminary costings for your day or simply drop us an email to: manager@sandstorm.com.au
TESTIMONALS

The day worked really well, Natalie's roving commentary, having a break between games and the catering. There was an overall positive vibe and the day was still quite competitive, which was excellent. Thanks again for a most excellent afternoon. I will certainly be recommending Sandstorm and The Beach to my friends and colleagues.

Shane Hackett
Brisbane City Council
I had a great afternoon. Although a bit anxious about my complete lack of sporting ability and non existent level of fitness I was prepared to give it a go.

It was fabulous and although completely exhausted that evening (best night's sleep I have EVER had!) it was a good exhaustion from physical activity.

I had great fun and really enjoyed interacting with my colleagues in a completely different way then we do at work. You get to see people in a different light and I really enjoyed it. I think I spent the whole afternoon laughing. The food was also excellent and Natalie has a great relaxed way of running the show. She even managed to get me "high 5ing". Would and have highly recommended it to everyone.

Alissa Hunt
Project Officer
Business Services
Brisbane City Council