Indigenous Runners Successful In New York Marathon

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9th November 2010, 01:41pm - Views: 1228





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THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP

Minister for Indigenous Health 



THE HON JENNY MACKLIN MP

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services 

and Indigenous Affairs

SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB 

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development

Minister for Sport





8 November 2010


Indigenous Runners Successful in New York Marathon


Four young men from remote Northern Australia have become the nation’s first Aboriginal

marathon team to complete the world-famous New York City Marathon.


The first-time marathoners – Charlie Maher, Caleb Hart, Juan Darwin and Joseph Davies –

were congratulated on their success by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin,

the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, and the Minister for Sport and

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Mark Arbib today.


“I am delighted that all four runners completed this gruelling race,” Mr Snowdon said.


“This is quite an achievement; not only was this their first marathon, but they completed it in

very respectable times after having been participating in the sport for less than one year.”

 

Ms Macklin said after conquering the New York City Marathon these four men will now

have the confidence to act as healthy lifestyle role models for young people within their

communities.


“Now that they have taken on a marathon, these four men have the skills and knowledge to

train other young people in their communities and inspire others to lead healthier lifestyles,”

Ms Macklin said.


The Ministers also congratulated former world champion marathon runner Robert de

Castella, who has been the driving force behind the Indigenous Marathon Project and Health

Education Program.


The program, part of de Castella’s SmartStart for Kids Limited initiative, aims to revitalise

running among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and to establish educational

programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle, exercise and good nutrition.


A squad of young Aboriginal people aged between 18 and 30 were selected from remote

communities in the Northern Territory and Western Australia to receive comprehensive

training and education under de Castella and his SmartStart team.



The four runners who competed in New York on 7 November were selected from this squad.


Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government was providing $500,000 over two years to

SmartStart to help support the marathon project and develop healthy lifestyle training under

the Australian Government’s COAG Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health National

Partnership commitments.


“I am most impressed at the hard work and dedication shown by everyone associated with

this program,” Mr Snowdon said.


Senator Arbib said he was extremely proud of the dedication and determination the runners

had shown in the lead up to the marathon and in the event itself.


“These young men are an inspiration to their communities.  The dedication they showed in

completing the marathon can be transferred to all areas of life. I’m sure we will be seeing

much more of these young men in the future,” Senator Arbib said


Mr Snowdon said the runners had made an epic journey, from some of the remotest parts of

Australia to the streets of New York, and their achievement underlined the importance of

promoting good health in our Indigenous population.


“The Australian Government is committed to tackling the challenges of improving

Indigenous health. These young men have shown us the way and deserve the admiration of

all Australians,” Mr Snowdon said.



Media contacts: 


Matthew McKeon (Snowdon) 0419843462

Keely Bell (Macklin) 0417 297 157

Sean Sammon (Arbib) 0417 137 419







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