
Kurtis Winter started the Ice Factor Program in 2005 as a year 9 student in the Fremont Elizabeth City High School team called Blue Hawks. Very soon it became clear that not only was Kurtis a talented athlete, but also a great team player and a leader.
Kurtis believes that the values taught in Ice Factor such as respect, honour, integrity and team work are a big part of the person he is now. Since leaving the program, Kurtis joined the Australian Defence Forces. Since joining the Army in 2008 as a rifleman Kurtis has completed tours in East Timor and Afghanistan believing that he can make a positive change in the world. Since October 2013 Kurtis has been part of the Australian Medical Corps and at the moment is undertaking training to become Advanced Medical Technician. At the completion of this course he will have civilian qualifications equivalent to those of Diplomas in Endorsed Enrolled Nursing and Paramedical Science.
Here are some of the things Kurtis has to say about the Ice Factor Program over 6 years after finihing in the Program:
"Ice Factor was extremely valuable to me and a subject I am very passionate about. It gave me values such as respect, honour, integrity and team work which reflect in the person that I am today and the job that I currently occupy in the Australian Defence Forces."
He also adds: "It is my honest opinion that Ice Factor Program assisted me in becoming who I am today and I am thankful to have been a part of such an illustrious organisation. I am also glad that the Program has prospered and now involves a lot more schools and it's great to see the support going in to keep this sport alive."
The whole Ice Factor Program would like to thank Kurtis for all of his efforts within the Program and congratulate him on everything that he has achieved since finishing with the Program in 2008. And we would also like to congratulate him on becoming one of the very first Ice Factor Hall of Fame member and a Ice Factor Program Ambassador.
Last words from Kurtis: "GO YOU MIGHTY HAWKS!"