The course may have been wind-blown but the spirits remained high as the inaugural Variety Spin 4 Kids event was held to great success in Harbour Square, Honeysuckle on August 4.
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The event, which pitted Newcastle and Lake Macquarie businesses, sporting teams and local identities against one another on stationary bikes over a six-hour period, was held to raise funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity.
Variety regional director Jason Bourke said he had been overwhelmed by the support for what he envisaged would became an annual event on their fundraising calendar.
“We’ve got 300 riders, 36 teams and have raised over $35,000, which we’re absolutely thrilled about,” Mr Bourke said.
“This is our first year holding the event and it’s been really wonderful to get that reaction from local businesses and the community in general.
“The best thing about it has been the vibe of the day, with the music pumping and teams wearing fancy dress, everyone has really enjoyed themselves.
“And they’re all doing this to benefit kids in the Hunter.
“We definitely want to hold it as an annual event and plan for it to grow bigger and better each year.”
Paralympian Maddie Elliott was one of a number of Hunter identities taking part, along with Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, former Knights coach Michael Hagan and Knights legend Marc Glanville.
Funds raised from Variety Spin 4 Kids will fund Variety Heart scholarships for talented local kids who are living with disadvantage to reach their full potential.
Greta 13-year-old and Variety scholarship recipient Harry Cullity, who is a talented swimmer, was a keen participant.
His mother Tania Cullity said the scholarship extended beyond financial support.
“He has had the Variety scholarship for two years which helps with fees but it is much more than that,” she said.
“It’s all of these people supporting kids like Harry.”