Challenge for Change

Children are whirling around the bike track and having a great time on the climbing frame at St Gabriel’s School, at Castle Hill for children with special needs.

Money from last year’s Coleman Greig Challenge was spent on bikes, the bike track and playground bringing much joy to the students at the K-12 co-educational school which caters for children with intellectual disabilities, sensory disabilities, and autism.

Seeing the youngsters in action was a happy moment for Coleman Greig Principal, Andrew Grima who came up with the idea of the annual bike riding and walking challenge.

What started with 103 participants in 2013 attracted 537 participants last year and is the biggest corporate sporting event in western Sydney, the past six events have raised a total of more than $800,000.

This year’s Greig Challenge is on Friday, September 20 at Parramatta Park and again, it will be raising money for three charities, St Gabriel’s School, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children at North Rocks and the Westmead Hospital Foundation.

On August 6 Andrew Grima joined sponsors to see firsthand how their involvement with the Challenge has benefitted the students from St Gabriel’s School.

He said that the Challenge was a great opportunity for businesses to get fit, have fun and give back – all in one morning.

“Participants can run, ride or walk alongside students and their families on the day,” he said. “As a father of two, I love that we can get businesses involved in an event that positively impacts so many children and families – it’s a good thing for us to get involved in on a personal level and a great thing for the wider community.”

Sebastien Deubel from Challenge sponsor ResMed at Bella Vista said the tour reinforced their commitment to training and fundraising after seeing the students enjoying the payground.

“You just need to see their smiles as they are riding their bikes around the track and you understand instantly that with a relatively small amount of effort from our side, we can improve significantly their life. It is a profound satisfaction for us to be part of the Coleman Greig Challenge.“

St Gabriel’s School will use this year’s funds raised at the Coleman Greig Challenge for learning hubs to provide its students with a flexible way to engage with their learning.

For more information about the event contact Liz Giblett on 0438 244 886 or email [email protected]