Bondi Rescue’s Andy Reid and former St George Illawarra star Dan Hunt were to skydive into the launch of the Australia Day Aquathon at Stuart Park yesterday.
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Strong winds prevented them from making their spectacular entrance with Skydive the Beach.
But the two men were still excited and looking forward to competing in the 17th annual Aquathon on January 26, 2016.
Reid said he enjoyed himself so much last year when he came down as a spectator that he ended up taking part in two events.
This time he is bringing friends and planning to stay the night so he can make a whole day of it and watch the fireworks in the evening.
Hunt said he had taken part in the Aquathon with other Dragons’ players several years ago. This time he plans to give himself a good hit-out in the swim. But will take it a little easier in the run following a career ending leg injury.
Hunt said he loved supporting charity. And this was a great event helping an important cause.
The Aquathon has become a highlight of Australia Day activities in Wollongong every year and draws many locals and visitors.
Organiser Rob Battocchio, of Activate Events, said the Australia Day Aquathon and Warrigal Community Walk attracted more than 2000 participants.
He said 2016 was an Olympic year and the Aquathon was attracting world class athletes such as number one triathlete Gwen Jorgensen, of the USA, and Australia’s leading male triathlete and Rio Olympic qualifier Aaron Royle.
But the field will be made up of people of all ages and abilities and from all walks of life.
The Illawarra Credit Union Australia Day Aquathon features four swim and run events.
There are long courses, beginners courses, a children’s event and the popular Australia Day Walk.
“Since its inception the event has proudly raised over $288,000 for local Illawarra based charities and non-for-profit partners including Anglicare, North Wollongong SLSC and Kembla Joggers,” Mr Battochio said.
This years the Kids Aquafun will support new charity partner KidzWish.
Children under 10 do a short close-to-shore 120m swim and a 2km run. Those between 10 to 12 do the same run but a 200m swim. Smile Team Try-Aqua features a 200m swim and 2km run. The Suttleshades’ Short Aqua is a 400m swim and flat 3km run. The Lighthouse Long Aqua is a 900m swim and 7km run that can be done solo or in a relay tag team. And the Warrigal Community Walk is a leisurely 3.5km event along the Blue Mile.
The Aquathon starts at 8am. Details at www.aquathon.com.au.
