Relay For Life was a Great Success
The walk has finished but the journey of RELAY FOR LIFE has really only just begun in this district. The organising committee and team captains have already started planning for next year’s event.
With overwhelming support received from the community and sponsors (both individuals and local business groups), approximately $42,000 has been raised for the Cancer Council’s research and education programs and support services.
A small army of energetic volunteers, including many Bacchus Marsh Lions Club members, ensured the event got off to a great start on Saturday and then returned on Sunday to help clean-up.
Over 400 registered team members participated. Spirits were not dampened by the cold and wet conditions; in fact there was a constant flow of smiling faces as participants took their turn walking around the oval. No one chooses cancer but we choose to Relay.
Moorabool Shire Mayor Di McAuliffe officially started the event by cutting the purple ribbon for the first lap around the track in which young piper Nicholas Moroz lead a group of more than 50 survivors and carers. These valiant people were the guests of honour at the event. A special reception for them followed where they were given afternoon tea kindly donated by Starbucks, Ballarat, while being entertained by Natasha Hurst. Deb Stringer, Director, Community Relations and Fundraising Unit of The Cancer Council Victoria then spoke to the group about the Cancer Information and Support Services available from the Cancer Council through the Cancer Helpline 131120. Guest Speaker, Kusal Goonewardana, a Physiotherapist from Vigor Sports Medicine provided an invigorating speech about healthy living guidelines.
There was a wonderful atmosphere of Fun & Hope as Maddingley Park Oval was ringed with many brightly decorated tents (24 teams participated) and colourful banners carrying Cancer prevention messages.
A feast of local home grown talent was on offer to entertain participants throughout the event. An interactive Aerobics Warm Up led by Instructor Debbie Wren for all team members was followed by the highly energetic Abstar Cheerleaders leading team members on their first official lap. A wide range of other activities were provided by local businesses: CFA Region 14, Bunnings Melton, Go For Your Life, Mobile Education Unit & Leap 'n' Bounce Castles (Bacchus Marsh)
Additional entertainment was provided by local groups: Abstar Commercial Dance Studio, Shindo Karate, Blazing Saddles Bootscooters, Debbie Wren – Fitness Instructor. Body Blend – Karen Svendsen Fitness Instructor & Mad Mag the roving Clown.
A special mention and big thank you must go to the members of Moorabool Shire based Rock 'n' Roll band “Sha Boom” who made themselves available to provide all equipment, technical advice and support to the other entertainers which made for a highly successful evening of entertainment.
When night fell everyone gathered in front of the stage for an inspiring “Candle Light Ceremony”. After 3 large candles were lit - (the first candle in remembrance of lost loved ones, the second candle symbolising our love and support for those experiencing cancer and the third candle expressing our HOPE for a cancer-free world in the future), a minute’s silence was held in remembrance of those who have suffered from cancer and prayers offered for those still fighting the disease. A large HOPE sign was lit and the hundreds of candles in the paper bags lined the track with the message of love support and hope from families, relatives and friends burned brightly throughout the night
Team Michelle raised over $5,000 and will be offered naming rights to a research project.
The fact that this inaugural event ran so smoothly, is not really all that surprising given the amazing level of cooperation and shared goals held by the volunteer organising committee, which began working on the event almost 12 months ago.
It is hoped that this wonderful event was the first of many annual Relay for Life events to be held in our district.
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