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Cheer squads in training... "Give me a R.E.D. C.R.O.S.S."
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2 December 2003
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Michelle Church is no stranger to pushing others to their limits. She is a personal trainer and has her own business challenging people to achieve and overcome their individual barriers. This year she is taking a leaf out of her own book and entering the 35th Red Cross Herald Sun Marathon.
Michelle will be paddling the marathon with her friend Robyn Cowell both women are 37 years old and have been friends since their school days. Michelle and Robyn are members of the Country Women's Association (CWA), Yarrawonga branch and have been sponsored by the organisation to participate in the event.
The CWA branches along the route of the Marathon will support the paddling duo providing special CWA cheer squads to encourage the women towards the finish line each day. While Michelle and Robyn are in training on the water the CWA branches are gearing up their cheer squads. The women will paddle 404 kilometres over 5 days starting on 27 December in Yarrawonga and finishing in Swan Hill on New Years Eve.
As a young girl growing up in Yarrawonga Michelle fondly remembers every Christmas watching all the paddlers starting the marathon. "There seemed to be such a strong sense of anticipation in the air. I promised myself that I would complete the course myself one day. With my 40th birthday looming, in a few years time, I decided it had to be done. I think this is a really unique way to be able to support two worthwhile organisations," said Michelle Church.
The entry is also significant for both organisations as many perceive that members are aged and conservative. Andrew Hilton, Executive Director, Australian Red Cross, Victoria said: "we need the younger generations to get more involved in organisations like Red Cross and Country Women's Association. Michelle and Robyn are demonstrating how this can be done."
Paula Pither-Mills, State President, CWA, said: "We were looking for innovative ways to have younger people involved with our organisation. We recognise that this might mean a less traditional involvement but we think that the Red Cross Murray Marathon is a good example of how young people can support two worthwhile organisations in a really inspiring way."
-ENDS-
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