ACT Sports Minister Andrew Barr watched the GIANTS train and later spoke to media with Head Coach Leon Cameron.
Barr said he was excited to watch the GIANTS as they prepare for a big 2014.
“I’m always pleased to be able to come and support the GIANTS in Canberra,” he said.
“The team has made a big effort to engage with the community over the years they’ve been involved with the ACT and we’re really keen to continue to build on that relationship.
“Having seen the social media from yesterday there was some fantastic tourism highlights that we’ll certainly be utilising to promote Canberra as a tourism destination.
“Another great example, which is timely in terms of some our economic development projects, is the announcement from Virgin Australia of sponsorship of the GIANTS.
“With a $500 million airport nearing completion and a desire for international flights and more flights into our city, you couldn’t ask for a better partner of one of our leading sporting teams.”
Cameron said the feedback from the players after day one of the camp had been exceptional.
“This is our third Australia Post Community Camp. The guys had a fantastic day yesterday amongst the schools and the local clubs and a visit to the zoo as well,” he said.
“All the feedback, whether it’s been on twitter of amongst our group sitting around for dinner about 7.30pm last night, the guys thought - particularly the club visits at night - there were an enormous amount of kids so football is really alive here in Canberra.”
New GIANTS recruit Heath Shaw also spoke to the media during his first visit to the nation’s capital.
“I’m enjoying it, getting used to a new program and new faces, trying to learn the names of all the young kids but it’s been good,” Shaw said.
“It’s a lot different to what I’m used to but I’m pretty excited about the opportunity ahead and the season coming as well.
“I’m loving Sydney at the moment and Canberra as well, the weather is amazing up here, a lot better than Melbourne weather.
“I’ve enjoyed the couple of days we’ve had here, living in each others' pockets together and getting out to the community and promoting the game here.”
The GIANTS spent Tuesday visiting High Schools around Canberra while a couple of players got to test out their golf swing at Gungahlin Lakes.
