On Sunday 25 June, participants took to Casey RACE to join in the inaugural MS Mega Triathlon.
The 2023 Casey MS Mega Triathlon saw teams take part in an indoor triathlon over an incredible 12 hours straight to raise funds for Australians living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
“The inaugural Casey MS Mega Triathlon was a great success for the team, with over 60 people taking part and raising over $10,000 to support Australians living with MS,“ MS Plus CEO John Blewonski said.
“The funds raised will assist in providing vital services and support to people living with MS, as well as funding four Go for Gold Scholarships.
“Special thanks to the MS Events Team, Charlie Pragnell from the Casey Cardinia Triathlon Squad, Casey RACE and Triathlon Australia for making sure this inaugural event came together and from all reports was a great day for all involved.”
MS Plus, Casey RACE and Triathlon Australia joined forces with local Community Host Charlie Pragnell from the Casey Cardinia Triathlon Squad to bring the first ever MS Mega Triathlon to life.
“My favorite part of the day was seeing an idea come to reality,“ Mr Pragnell said.
“The MS Mega Triathlon came about due to many years as an MS Mega Swim participant and being an active triathlete.
“What a great opportunity to give back to the village of life where individuals families and professionals support each other.
“Every drop counts in this space and can make a difference in someone’s day.“
With their state-of-the-art facilities donated free of charge for the entire 12-hour Triathlon, Casey RACE has been a keen supporter of the inclusive event.
Carly Saunders from The YMCA is keen to see the community come together in the efforts of raising funds for Australians living with MS.
“Casey RACE is a state-of-the-art recreation facility in Melbourne’s southeast that can uniquely host the first MS Mega Triathlon event,“ she said.
“We have a proud history of offering modified sports and competitions to suit people of different abilities, helping to remove the barriers to participation for people with a disability.
“Hosting the first MS Mega Triathlon event is an important step in encouraging more people to be more active, more often.“
In Victoria, only 24 per cent of people living with a disability are meeting the recommended level of physical activity.
“We aim to increase the opportunities available to these individuals can lead happier and healthier lives,“ Ms Saunders said.
Triathlon Australia has been involved in the planning process since late 2022 when first approached by Mr Pragnell and the team at MS Plus.
Nadelle Legge from Triathlon Australia has been working closely with all involved to ensure a successful event.
“Events such as these have a powerful impact on the triathlon community,“ she said.
“We are very inclusive and are constantly looking at ways to engage new participants to our sport, including people that may have thought they weren’t capable.
“We hope everyone had a fun and enjoyable experience, and they feel empowered to keep physically active in triathlon, or another sport they choose.”
MS Go for Gold Scholarships are awarded to people living with multiple sclerosis who have a specific goal they are working to attain.
“Focusing on achieving a dream is a great way to build a stronger sense of wellness, have a break from focusing on multiple sclerosis, and a fantastic opportunity to inspire others at the same time,“ Mr Blewonski said.
“For all participants, the scholarships provide the opportunity to significantly change lives.“
Scholarships are awarded in the categories of education, arts, travel, music, employment, and lifestyle and wellbeing.
“MS Go for Gold Scholarship has allowed me the opportunity to update my computer and illustration software, so that I can draw digitally instead of having to create everything from scratch in a laborious way,“ said artist and 2020 Go For Gold award recipient Melanie Caple.
The MS Mega Challenge event series is one of the fastest growing community events in Australia with thousands taking part in regional, suburban, and metro events each year.
Founded in 2001 by Paralympian Carol Cooke AM, the MS Mega Challenge has since grown to swim, squash & racquetball, badminton and now triathlon events taking place across VIC, NSW, ACT and TAS every year.
