More than 1000 high school students took part in Gold Coast’s Kokoda Challenge last weekend helping to raise over $750,000 for national youth programs.
Kokoda Challenge Events and Operations Manager David Paynter said 55 school teams competed in the 96km main event.
“In the past we’ve had some schools send 19-20 teams,” Mr Paynter said.
“One school has integrated the Challenge into their sports curriculum, because it has such a positive impact on students’ self-esteem and the teacher-student-peer dynamics.
“The kids have to raise funds as part of the Challenge, which also has a positive ripple effect through the community,” he said.
Two teams of Year 11 and 12 students from Brisbane’s Earnshaw State College prepared for the challenge by walking Mount Coot-tha every weekend leading to the event.
Earnshaw parent and support crew member Craig Lines said watching the students was amazing and inspiring.
“They come to the check points and they’ve got blister on blister on blister,” Mr Lines said.
“It was the most emotional and proudest moment I’ve ever been a part of,” he said.
Earnshaw students finished the challenge in 37 hours 10 minutes, raising almost $1300 for the foundation.
Gold Coast high schools spotlight (infographic)
Youth on the Go 