Thursday, 30 December 2004

The girl's from Beaconhills are unstoppable. Aiming to win their third consecutive title at the Red Cross Herald Sun Murray River Marathon, these teenagers: Penny Jennings, Alycia Lamb, Sally Dougall and Emma Johnson from Pakenham, Jacqueline and Karine Brown from Carrum, Riley LeLievre from Emerald, Casey Stone from Beaconsfield and Eve Trickey from Clematis; surprisingly still have a trick or two up their sleeves.

Entering the longest flat-water canoe race in the world is not easy at the best of times. Doing so whilst completing VCE, undergoing serious knee surgery and balancing other commitments is often deemed impossible. According to Neville Stone, Chairman of Flat Water Sprint Racing in Victoria and coach of the Beaconhills team, the Marathon provides a venue for individuals to reach their full potential.

"This environment brings out the best in people. It challenges you to give everything you can, and you do a lot of individual growing. You start to realise by day three or four what you can actually achieve," said Neville.

Similarly, the 404 kilometre Murray Marathon is a fabulous team building exercise for many and is clearly successful in the Beaconhills case. The sheer amount of time spent together during the five-day event, combined with harsh paddling and water conditions makes developing trustworthy relationships incredibly necessary.

According to Neville, there have been numerous times when one of the nine girls needed assistance from their team-mates. Reacting accordingly, they banded together and lifted above the situation.

"This event is an invaluable bonding exercise. These friendships that they've formed are impossible to match," he said. 

Something in the mix must have gone right, with each of their girls having enjoyed success both on and off the water. Three of the girls in this Beaconhills team won gold representing Victoria in the Australian Championships four-person kayak event. It is also predicted that four members of the current squad have the potential to compete at elite level.

Whilst the Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon assists junior paddling development, it also raises money for much needed Red Cross services throughout Australia. Through competitor fundraising it is expected that $200,000 will be raised to contribute towards necessary emergency services, disaster relief and first aid training.

According to John Powell, Group Manager of Fundraising Australian Red Cross Victoria, the funds raised from this event are crucial to providing services for the most vulnerable in our community

"The Red Cross would not be able to provide essential services in the local community without this event. These entrants and volunteers are vital to our success," John said.

Additional photographs, interviews and stories available on request.

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For more details contact:
Melissa Sawyer 
Mobile +61 3 (0) 409428302
Email: msawyer@redcross.org.au