seasonal friday - the kokoda challenge

The Kokoda Challenge is Australia's premier bushwalking team event where teams of 4 people trek a 96km course through the Gold Coast Hinterland within a 39 hour time limit.The event is held on the 3rd week of July every year with registrations open on February 1. The Kokoda Challenge is designed to reflect the key elements of the Spirit of Kokoda with 96km representing the actual distance of the Kokoda Track and the 39 hours symbolizing the 39th Militia who were the first of our Australian troops to arrive at Kokoda on 15th July 1942.

And Deb Maher who is the designer behind Denim by Deborah at our Market is insane enough to be doing it this weekend!!!

The four person teams are required to advance through 14 checkpoints to the finish line. At designated checkpoints teams are able to take a break and regroup with the help of their support crew. The route incorporates 5000 metres of ascent and 5000 metres of decent throughout the course. There is no doubt that those who take up the Kokoda Challenge will need to call on the spirit of ANZAC that was born in Gallipoli and held fast in Kokoda - ENDURANCE, SACRIFICE, COURAGE and MATESHIP.

"The Kokoda Challenge is the experience of a lifetime. It will test your inner strengths and weaknesses as you push your body and mind to it's limits. At the same time you will gain the incredible power and motivation that comes with contributing to and being part of a team."Amena Reza - Team ML Design Diggers 2006 and 2007 Kokoda Challenge
Funds raised from this event finance the cost of the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, which includes training and bush camps and the associated costs of travel to Papuan New Guinea to walk the Kokoda Track. The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) is an experiential learning program offering young people the opportunity to realise their full potential and gain a brighter future for themselves and their families. Since it's inception five years ago, the KCYP has made a difference in the lives of 115 young people and in 2010 will be expanding to take on 52 young people between the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Tweed Branches. The length of the program (14 months) combined with the strong physical component and use of the Spirit of Kokoda is proving to be a winning formula. The fundamental philosophy of the program is about structure, discipline and boundaries, what is referred to as old fashioned values.

The KCYP has two prime objectives:
• To establish in young people a clear understanding that whatever achievements they gain in their lives that they are exactly related to what they put into it, whether that be school, jobs, professional and personal relationships.
• Consequences of choices they make will have a profound effect on their happiness, future, lifestyle and what they achieve.
Deb’s team is aiming to raise $2000 and if you want to support her crazy efforts you can make a fully tax deductible donation to her team “Wewannachecken” No. 28 through the Kokoda Challenge Online Donation facility. To those of you who have already donated and helped with fund raising thank you again for your support.

If you would like to find out more or sponsor Deb’s team please visit http://www.kokodachallenge.com.

Deb could also do with some encouragement throughout the trek so if you want to send my some kind words of support via sms over the weekend her phone number is 0416 084 282.
Thank you in advance for any support you might be able to give.