Founder and CEO Sports Challenge Australia
Professor Garry Tester entered Cyril Jackson Senior High School in 1969, graduating in 1971 and gaining entry to the University of Western Australia. He studied Physical Education and after work as a teacher he completed further study leading to a career in the health sector with young people.
The foundation for Garry’s academic and sporting success was built from the extraordinary support given to him by the staff at Cyril Jackson SHS, especially Mr Norman Moore (later the Minister for Education) and Mr Ken Burns, his Physical Education teacher. Both encouraged Garry’s journey to a Ph.D. in Sport Science from UWA.
Ken Burns had a passion for track and field and regularly transported Garry to athletic events. In his last year at school, Garry won the State School Boys 100m in a record of 10.8 seconds, eclipsing the then record of 10.9 seconds, ironically held by a former Cyril Jackson SHS student!!
Garry continued his involvement with athletics and during the 1980s and early 1990s he was a national and international level track and field sprinter in the 100m, 200m and sprint relays. However, numerous injuries forced his retirement. The discipline of track and field spurred him to establish an agency to build the benefits of good health in young people.
He is the Founder and CEO of Sports Challenge Australia (SCA), a ‘peak’ non-profit health promotion organisation established in 1992 to address both physical and mental health issues associated with young people in Australia and Singapore. He is also CEO of Australian Corporate Challenge (ACC), the corporate training arm of SCA, which he established in 2004. The rationale to establishing the ACC was to deliver services to the corporate sector to generate funds for the work of SCA. This gave the entity financial independence without having to seek grants from government.
SCA is a mentoring program using sport and problem-solving activities to encourage young people to use more of their full potential in all areas of their lives. It is designed to improve self-esteem and develop preparation-for-life skills by focusing upon the notion of a challenge. The program enjoys esteem with not only at-risk youth but young people looking to achieve goals. Former Governor General, Dame Quentin Bryce, AD, CVO said, “I am inspired by the professionalism, commitment and the passion of your team in engaging young people. Your programs are truly uplifting.”
In addition to this pioneering work in physical and mental health for young people, Garry is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia, School of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, where he lectures and researches in the areas of pedagogy, talent identification, strategic planning, organisational change, leadership and business management.
Garry has never forgotten the wonderful support and encouragement given to him from the staff of Cyril Jackson SHS. For his sporting and academic success, and prowess in working to assist young people, Professor Garry Tester is today named a Champion of CJ.