ORGANISER
(Australian):
Great to see so many familiar faces today. And so grateful for all of your
support in making this Summer Cancer Run a success. Since I know all of you
plan to participate, or at least volunteer, I’ll spare you my salesman pitch,
and instead focus on the details of the event so that you know what to expect.
WOMAN
(Australian):
Do you mind if I ask a question?
ORGANISER: Of course not.
WOMAN: I know that this run will be raising
money to fight cancer, but I’m not sure what exactly the money will be going
towards.
ORGANISER: Right. All of the funds raised will be
given to the Greystone Cancer Research Institute. We really feel they are doing
the most cutting-edge research in Australia, and want to help them find a way
to cure this horrible disease.
WOMAN: OK. Thanks.
ORGANISER: So, um, about the run… First of all,
there will be options to do a 1-kilometer, 5-kilometer or 10-kilometer walk or
run so that anyone of any fitness level can participate. It’s not how far or
how fast you go that matters…it’s that you come out and support the cause.
Speaking of which, supporting the cause entails paying either a $40
registration fee or pledging to raise at least $200 through donations. If you
choose the donations option, we have pre-structured fundraising pages that you
can utilise for this purpose. Now,
you can also choose between registering as an individual or registering with a
team. You can join an existing team or you can start your own. You just need a
team name and a captain, whose contact information will be available to the
public.
WOMAN: So, anyone can join any team?
ORGANISER: Not exactly. You can register to join
a team and they can decide to accept or reject your registration. But it’s rare
for a team to not allow someone to join them.
ORGANISER: Now, once you register, you’ll have access to all
sorts of resources. Um, for example, there are training programs for people
wanting to get in shape prior to their walk or run. They’ve been designed by
local fitness professionals and approved by doctors at the Greystone Cancer
Research Institute. We can’t offer personal consultations, but there is a list
of recommended trainers on our website. And no, they did not pay us to
advertise for them. We also aren’t given money to promote the running shoes
that are featured on our site. These are shoes that our volunteer staff have
selected as their favourites…and well, they wanted to share them with you. The website also provides forums for teams to interact
with each other, for individuals to communicate with one another, and for
people to generally share their feelings and experiences prior to and after the
event. Oh, that
reminds me. At the end of your walk or run, you’ll be greeted at the finish
line with electrolyte sports drinks and dance music! That’s right, we’re going
to have a live DJ there to spin some tunes and get everyone in a festive mood.
The cost of the DJ is, uh, being covered by an anonymous local supporter.
WOMAN: So, there’s going to be a party afterwards?
ORGANISER: Sort of, yes. We’ll keep the music going for about an
hour after the last person crosses the finish line. There’ll also be snacks,
drinks and maybe even some face-painting stands for the kids. After all, this is meant to be a family event.
Now, although there won’t be awards
presented for best times or anything like that, the director of the Greystone Cancer
Research Institute will say a few closing words and will extend her
appreciation to all of the participants. That will mark the end of the day. So
we do encourage people to stay until the very end and to congratulate people as
they finish their walk or run.
So, that’s about all I have to say.
Does anyone have any questions?