Intensive tryouts for the program included a beep test, where students ran a 20 metre stretch between beeps that varied the time allowed, a 1.5 kilometre run, sit ups and height and weight measurements.

Shaun found out a week after the tests that he’d made it in.

“I won the beep test and I came third in the run so I thought I’d get in, but I was happy when I found out I was in,” Shaun said.

The Program, which runs over the course of this year, exposes students to a range of sports.

Shaun participated in Dragon Boating last week and will do fire brigade games this week, as well as sports including football, hockey, squash and soccer later in the year.

Shaun said that he hopes to pursue a career in Aussie Rules football or cricket when he finishes school.