Great Vic Trek a great success
This summer Australian cricket legend Dean Jones was joined by over 750 Victorians, sports people and celebrities on a mammoth 21 day, 1,800 kilometre Trek around Victoria.
The Great Vic Trek raised funds and awareness for Yooralla, one of Victoria's oldest and largest not-for-profit organisations, helping them continue their vital work with over 30,000 Victorians living with disabilities.
Along the way Trek participants walked, ran and rode through 200 regional towns, including Warragul, Omeo, Wodonga, Bendigo and Ballarat. But it wasn't all hard work. Participants also took time out to enjoy recreational activities with the locals such as fishing, golf and motor bike riding.
According to Dean Jones, ambassador for the Trek, the major highlight was being accompanied by Chris Riddiford, a young man with learning difficulties, who enthused all Trekkers with his humour and infectious optimism.
"I was shocked to learn that one out of every five Victorians live with some sort of disability, and having Chris along for the Trek highlighted how important the work of Yooralla really is for so many people."
Major sponsor of the Great Vic Trek, Health Super, helped to raise an estimated $310,000 for Yooralla during the Trek, with ambassador Dean Jones presenting an initial cheque for $300,000 to Yooralla CEO Sanjib Roy at the MCG Boxing Day test, the finish line for Trek participants.
Health Super also conducted 18 Health Super days en route, giving regional communities and hospital and health sector employees the chance to meet and spend time with sportspeople and celebrities undertaking the Trek, and underlining the importance of living a healthy, active life.
For further information, please contact Health Super on 1800 331 719 8.30am - 6.00pm, or via Email
