Balclutha has got in behind the campaign to raise $3 million
for neurosurgery positions in the South, holding two
fund-raising sporting events.
Scooter races and a virtual triathlon will be held on
February 28 at the Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha.
Tiny Carruthers, of Sport Clutha, said both events would be
held in the main court area of the centre from 4pm to 8pm.
There would be three sections in the virtual triathlon.
Three minutes each of indoor rowing, stationary biking and
running for year 6-8 primary school pupils, and five minutes
each of rowing, biking and running for secondary school
pupils and adults.
Individuals or teams of three can enter the triathlon.
The owners of the gym Pro Fit, which operates from the Otago
Daily Times Fitness Centre, are donating the use of gear.
Teams of three can compete in scooter races from 4pm.
A relay for secondary school pupils will be held first,
followed by a primary school relay at 5pm and the open relay
from 6pm-8pm.
Helmets are compulsory.
Proceeds will go to the public campaign to secure a
world-class neurosurgery research and teaching centre in
Dunedin.
Launched last month, funds raised will be used for the
Neurological Foundation Chair in Neurosurgery and New
Zealand's first academic neurosurgery unit, to be based at
the University of Otago.
The professor's time will be divided between the university
and working as a neurosurgeon at Dunedin Hospital.
The Otago Daily Times, the Southland Times and ANZ/National
Bank are supporting the campaign.
Entries forms for the virtual triathlon and scooter races can
be found online at www.sportotago.co.nz or can
be collected up from the Balclutha ODT office.
helena.dereus@odt.co.nz
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