Spirit of relay alive and well

22 February 2010

BY AMI HUMPAGE

NOT 100 per cent humidity, gusty winds or high temperatures could affect the spirit of Relay for Life on the weekend, when hundreds of people joined forces for 21 hours at Portland’s Henty Park to celebrate raising a magnificent $96,000 for cancer research.

Twenty-seven teams of people from throughout the Glenelg Shire spent months fundraising before the celebratory 21-hour event on Friday and Saturday, and despite the adverse weather conditions, the South West Relay for Life was once again deemed a success.

The Survivor’s and Carers function kicked off the 2010 event and was well attended. It was followed by the opening ceremony, led by relay patron Denis Napthine, and guest speaker Paul Beattie who spoke about his and his young family’s ongoing battle with lung cancer and brain tumours, and the importance of challenging yourself, setting goals, and thinking outside of the square.

The survivors and carers headed to the walking track, led by pipe Trevor Meade and Mr Beattie’s three children, Zahn, Bailey and Jade, who threw rose petals along the track ahead of the region’s cancer survivors and carers in the first lap of the track to mark the official start of the relay.

Singers Scott and Danielle kicked off the entertainment for the night with their catchy tunes encouraging some of the younger relayers on stage for an impromptu dance. They were followed by Craig Rosier, Michaela Baranov, John Coverdale and 24/7.

As the sun set all relayers gathered for the moving candlelight ceremony, remembering and paying tribute to those who have lost the fight or are still fighting cancer, with an innovation this year being a lap of honour for the personal candle tributes, led by volunteers bearing the three candles lit during the ceremony — representing the past, present and the future.

South West Relay for Life committee chairperson Graham Sealey said it was hoped that addition to the ceremony would give people a chance to reflect on why they were involved in the relay, and it also gave people an opportunity to become more involved in the ceremony.

As Saturday morning progressed, the humidity rose to 100 per cent and the dew covered grass, tents and other shelters, creating a damp and somewhat dreary atmosphere. However, despite little or no sleep and the promise of a hot day ahead, the morale of the relay teams remained high as they got stuck into day two of the event.

The Westvic Plaster Games was the main focus for the day, with events including the handball competition, iron person competition, and an array of trivia questions that well and truly stumped many general knowledge enthusiasts.

Josh Slade was named this year’s iron man, while Jodie Pye took out the title of iron woman and Connor McCarther the junior iron person.

Some activities were not run because of the conditions, but at the end of the day Quadrant Securities made it back-to-back winners of the games, earning a $300 funding injection for 2010. Bayview College earned $200 and the Happy Hour team earned $100.

With the wind creating havoc with some tents and gazebos and the heat progressively rising, the closing ceremony was brought forward by about half an hour.

Cancer Council Victoria representative Jacqui Patmore was given the honour of announcing that the total of $96,012.63 had been raised by the community for the 2010 event.

Mr Sealey admitted he was very surprised by how much money had been raised this year considering the financial situation of today, but said that, once again, the south-west community had gone above and beyond. He thanked everyone who had been involved and had helped raise money for the great cause.

Casterton’s Kelpie Krew was once again named as the highest fundraising team for the year, with a phenomenal $20,743.70, and team captain Leanne McKernan was personally recognised by being presented the 2010 Spirit of Relay award. Ms McKernan has been involved in the relay since it began in Portland nine years ago, and was nominated for her enthusiasm, organisation and spirit. However, she was humble in her acceptance speech, saying the award was really recognition for the entire team and the entire population of Casterton.

There were several teams this year that cracked the $5000 mark entitling them to name a cancer research project including the Kelpie Krew, Keppel Prince, Lewie’s Legends, Quadrant Securities and the Gladiators

Arch rivals Pathogens Plus and Bayview College were again the frontrunners for the top dog house award and this year Patho’s won the cape back with its Let’s Get Physical themed campsite.

Mr Sealey said the committee was constantly amazed by how the community supported the cause in such a fantastic manner.

“It was great to see so many new faces this year with five teams joining the relay community for the first time, and we thank everyone involved.”

Not happy to sit back and relax, Mr Sealey said the committee was now planning to make the 2011 event the biggest and best to date, in celebration of 10 years of relay in the Portland district.