Foundation’s Everest challenge

More than 1.5 million flights of stairs are expected to be climbed throughout August in an attempt to scale Mt Everest 690 times as part of the Heart Foundation’s ‘Climb to the Top’. The program challenges individuals and teams of up to 10 to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest during August by using the stairs instead of riding the elevator. Although the event runs throughout August, teams are being urged to register their interest now. Climb to the Top was recently launched at Jacob’s Ladder with a team of keen ‘mountaineers’, attempting to conquer the equivalent of the Earth’s highest peak by scaling the staircase 148 times, led by Sue Fear, the only Australian woman to climb Mount Everest. Last year more than 6,000 people took part in Climb to the Top with teams scaling oilrigs in the north to skyscrapers in the CBD. Heart Foundation director of cardiovascular health Trevor Shilton said it was a way of encouraging people to become active and think about including exercise in their day-to-day lives whenever possible. “Physical activity is essential in keeping our hearts healthy and just 30 minutes or more of moderate activity each day can decrease the risk of heart disease by up to half,” Mr Shilton said. “Climb to the Top is an easy and fun way for you to get started on the track to a healthy lifestyle and demonstrates that keeping fit can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.” A spokesperson for major sponsor Woodside said the partnership with the Heart Foundation was part of a wide portfolio of health programs in which employees are encouraged to participate. “It’s all optional, but we find we get a large crowd getting involved,” the spokesperson said. Teams can register for $10 by calling Heart Foundation on 9382 5925 or visiting www.heartfoundation.com.au Games Team gears up for Melbourne NEXT year, the 28th Commonwealth Games will be held in Melbourne and the Australian Commonwealth Games Association plans to raise funds to support the preparation, participation and recognition of Australia’s Games team. As part of this commitment, fundraising by each of the state divisions will be undertaken. The ACGA budget for the 2006 Team is $12 million, of which $6.5 million will directly support athletes with the WA Appeal aiming to contribute $180,000. Uniforms, equipment and insurance are some of the costs which are to be covered by donations, according to WA division executive director Tania Sullivan. The State Government has contributed one third of WA’s target, presented recently at the appeal’s launch by the Minister for Sport & Recreation. Ms Sullivan said organisations wishing to become involved can help by making fully tax deductible donations, hosting fundraising events, auctioning memorabilia provided by the ACGA/WA and coin donation days. Pilbara youth boosted by new project A PARTNERSHIP between the West Coast Eagles, BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Swan Districts Football Club has given birth to a new project called ‘Kicking Goals.’ The combined initiative aims to present the Pilbara region with community support through primary school, sports education, high school leadership and sports mentoring programs. The West Coast Eagles’ involvement will be headed up by club game record holder and special projects executive Glen Jakovich, and will also include the contribution of current players including Dean Cox, Ashley Sampi and David Wirrpunda, each with significant ties to the Pilbara region. The program will be headlined by West Coast Eagles’ visits to Port Hedland, Newman and a selected indigenous community in the project’s first 12 months, while Swan Districts will provide support through the growth and development of the game in the region.