AU – RRT Feeds Kids at ‘Summer Olympics’ on the Gold Coast
Wesley Mission Brisbane (WMB) is a leading charitable organisation that has been supporting the Queensland community for more than 100 years, and Queensland’s various Rapid Relief Teams enjoy the opportunity to assist them with their many events to support those in need throughout the year.
One area where the WMB is active is in organising programs across four Gold Coast City Council operated youth hubs including: Thrower House at Palm Beach, Upper Coomera Youth Centre, Coomera Youth Centre and Runaway Bay Youth Centre.
These hubs provide a haven for children that come from families that are struggling, and allow them to access to counsellors, carers and after school care, as well as help young people aged between 12-17 years with their homework, resumes, driving theory and social activities. These organisations are a fantastic evidence of the support and care offered to the youth of today’s society.
The Gold Coast City Council and WMB work together each year to host their own Mini Olympics during the winter school holidays at Salk Oval, Palm Beach for young people to participate in a broad range of activities and competitions. With the success of the Winter Olympics it was decided to hold a Summer Olympics at the Palm Beach Olympic Pool. The 2016 Summer Olympics commenced with a Hub Parade showcasing each group’s colours and war cries followed by a Dance Off. Prizes were also awarded at the end of the day to the best dressed, best war cry, best cheerleading and best sports person. Events in the morning included the good old favourites such as egg and spoon races, sack races, and Tug of War.
Good old sack racing A few wobbly wheelbarrows!! Tug of WarHalfway through the day RRT provided a delicious hamburger for the competitors and supervisors with delicious fruit salad fruit cups for 2nd course. Cold cans of soft drink and bottled water were available to refresh the participants.
Some very excited Team members waiting for their HamburgersThe afternoon events were many different race activities held in the pool. What a great way to cool off!
The winners were;
- Thrower House (red)
- A very close second Coomera (yellow and black)
- Runaway Bay (blue) and Upper Coomera (green) both joint third
This is a great opportunity for these children to participate as a team and show off their athletic skills, as well as developing other talents such as leadership, design, musical, dance and creative skills.
All attendees thoroughly enjoyed the day