On Saturday July 19, fourteen Tamborine Mountain State High School teams undertook the Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge.
They hiked non-stop through the hinterland bushland for thirty, forty-eight, or ninety-six kilometres to raise almost fourteen thousand dollars to support the programs of the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
In the months of training leading up to the Challenge, the community rallied around the students, with local businesses and clubs generously sponsoring teams to cover the cost of entry fees and their TMSHS team t-shirts.
The 96km team, Really Sore Legs (RSL), received sponsorship from Tamborine Mountain RSL Sub-Branch. They assisted RSL member, Keith, in selling poppies at the ANZAC Day stall on Gallery Walk, then during the Kokoda Challenge Keith regularly sent the team messages of encouragement, and even a poem that summed up their experiences.
WATUP Transport stepped-up to sponsor 48km team United Steps of Walkmerica, making this the third consecutive year that owners Lisa and Jason Watson have come forward to support TMSHS Kokoda Challenge teams.
Team Big Steppin’, who completed the 48km Challenge, were sponsored by Physique Health Physiotherapy. Physique is also a valued third year sponsor.
Balance Veterinary Care from Tamborine Village extended their care to team Sole Mates, for their 48km Challenge.
Yarrabilba’s Live Fit Gym helped power-up team Abs of Steel through his sponsorship of their 48km Challenge – and certain they’d have “abs of steel” by the time they crossed the finish line!
Team Skywalkers were grateful for the encouragement of SJ Drilling for their 48km Challenge.
Team, Despicable Jawns, were thankful for the sponsorship of Oxenford Veterinary Surgery in the 48km Challenge.
B&C Plastics, sponsored 48km team Back to Square One while Adept Plumbing and Gas, generously sponsored two TMSHS teams: Hollow Purple on their 48km Challenge, and Are We There Yet? on their 30km Challenge.
A-Team, who participated in the 30km Challenge, were thankful for sponsorship from Witches Falls Cottages.
Grade A Consulting supported team Hike Like a Girl, in the 30km Kokoda Challenge, and cheering them on at the start and finish.
Scenic Rim Seafood owners, Raquel and Jonathon Hall, were enthusiastic supporters of the Prowling Predators, sponsoring them on their 30km Challenge. Jonathon also volunteered as a leader with team The Mad Lads.
The Mad Lads appreciated the support of Amanda Bentley from AB Psychology & Play Therapy, who sponsored them on their 30km Challenge.
Many of the sponsors also cheered the teams on at the start or finish of their journey, creating a strong bond between the teams and their supporters.
