And so the Kokoda Challenge for our kids - The Kokoda Youth Foundation focuses on changing the lives of disadvantaged youth. The challenge is to train for and then run 15 gruelling kilometres - and finish as a team. Our school has had a team of students supported by their teachers running in this event for the last two years. Gradually we've all gotten involved even if we're not all running. We now wear green to school the day before the team head off to the challenge and all the money raised is donated to the Foundation to assist a group of youngsters get to Papua New Guinea and walk the Kokoda track visiting villages and honouring our veterans along the way. The program involves the youth doing what they thought was impossible, creating lifelong bonds and experiencing history and culture to prepare them for giving back to the community on their return.
There is a special story behind this year's team involving one of our teachers, Susie Lefevre. In 2014 after beating breast cancer, Susie
conquered the Kokoda track, honoring her father and maternal grandfather who
were both WWII Kokoda Track heroes. It was one of the most grueling yet rewarding
challenges Susie has ever completed.
She shares a message of persistence, endurance, hope and facing whatever life throws
at you with grace, confidence and a huge smile and our team considered this message as they ran yesterday.
All Kokoda school cups are in honour and memory
of Australian Veterans, not only keeping their spirit alive but helping to
educate all of us about our diggers and the sacrifice they made for our
freedom. In 2019 our Peregian Springs State School
teams were named after Susie's father and maternal grandfather.
- Frank Freckelton - Craftsman 247 Light Aid Detachment
- Ray Edmonds – Militia 55/53 battalion
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