20-years since Cathy Freeman won gold at the Sydney Olympics, the Cathy Freeman Foundation is calling for people to participate in a virtual run event to foster Indigenous education.
The inaugural Stride for Education challenges participants to run, walk or wheel up to 115 kilometres between October 10 and November 10, 2020.
This target is the average distance between the Foundation’s partner communities and their nearest major town (Galiwin’ku and Wurrumiyanga in the Northern Territory, and Palm Island and Woorabinda in Queensland).
The aim of the event is to increase support and awareness of the work of the Foundation in delivering education programs within these communities. The Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Jade Colgan said this event is for people of all abilities and fitness levels and the goal is to get as many people engaged as possible.
“We’ve been working with Indigenous children since 2007 aiming to empower through education. We would love nothing more than for
our work and journey to be celebrated by many. Stride is a great way to get involved, get active and support us.
“… we all know that when you participate in something that has purpose, that you can be passionate about and believe in, there is real power in that. We want the message to be positive and strong – that education is key and that it opens doors to opportunity. So, if you can join us and support us, then please get involved and spread the word of the Foundation.
“We have timed the event to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Cathy’s win at Sydney (Olympics), as a way for people to celebrate, reflect but ultimately connect to the work Cathy is so dedicated and passionate about now.”
Registrations open on Friday September 25, 2020 – celebrating the exact anniversary of the race that made Australian sporting history.
Cathy Freeman’s establishment of both the Foundation and this event, is due to her passion for education. Education was the key to fulfilling her Olympic dream and obtaining the ultimate accolade, she said.
“Growing up I had the opportunity to experience quality educational opportunities and the support to go with it. By going to school, I was
able to recognise my potential as an athlete and fulfil my dream of achieving Olympic gold.
“Attending school opens up opportunities to learn, experience life and allows children to explore their talents.
“I believe education is the key to a positive pathway.”
Participants movement is tracked via Running Heroes, a smartphone app with the largest online community of runners in Australia.
For further information regarding Stride for Education and to register (from Friday, September 25) visit
www.cathyfreemanfoundation.org.au/StrideForEducation.
Ryan Fritz
Ryan Fritz started The Advocate in 2014 to provide not-for-profits and charities another media platform to tell their worthwhile hard news stories and opinion pieces effortlessly. In 2020, Ryan formed a team of volunteer journalists to help spread even more high-quality stories from the third sector. He also has over 10 years experience as a media and communications professional for not-for-profits and charities and currently works at Redkite, a childhood cancer charity.
