A host of volunteers and team members have been busy setting up and preparing Beaton Park for this weekend’s Wollongong Relay for Life.
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Relay For Life is an overnight, community event whereby teams participate in a relay-style walk or run to raise funds for Cancer Council NSW.
Beaton Park will be the venue for the 24-hour event on Saturday and Sunday.
The Relay kicks off at 9.15am Saturday with the opening ceremony.
Grant Plecas, community engagement manager for Cancer Council NSW’s Southern Region said they had about 40 volunteers helping with Friday’s set-up.
This included setting up their Health Expo, registration area and signage.
“We’ve had a few gusts of wind that have kept us on our toes, but everyone seems keen,” he said.
“We let the teams come in at 11am, and there were already people lined up at 8am, so they’re really keen to get out here and get things set up. We’re managing the crowds as they come and set up; the volunteers are helping make sure that we can maximise the space.”
Mr Plecas said about 1050 people had registered so far.
“We hope Saturday’s weather is good and we get 300 or 400 (more) people through the gates to register.”
Participant Taisha Woods from Dapto was busy setting up a tent which will house her family members and their friends – ten people in total – during the Relay.
“This is about my sixth Relay, and everyone’s really helpful when you’re setting up,” she said. “If you’re struggling, someone will come over and help you.”
Illawarra Mercury deputy editor Cydonee Mardon has vowed to walk the entire 24 hours of the 2017 Wollongong Relay.
To donate to her efforts, click here.
