LOCAL HERO TO TREK THE KOKODA TRAIL WITH KOKODA SPIRIT
News Release June 8, 2006

Few places in the world invoke the triumph of the Aussie spirit over adversity like the Kokoda Trail. The scene of a bloody battle in the mountains of Papua New Guinea during WWII, more than 60 years later the Kokoda Trail is still a challenging jungle track, demanding exceptional physical and mental endurance from those who attempt the 96-km (57-mile) trek.

In June, thanks to the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation, two outstanding Australians will put themselves to that test – Michael Milton, Paralympian, gold medalist and the fastest skier in the world on one leg, and Robyn Sanewski, a mother of four from regional Queensland who inspires young people from her own community to lead healthy and active lifestyles.

Michael Milton is the Coca-Cola Community Awards Ambassador. Losing a leg to cancer at the age of nine, he has gone on to win numerous Paralympic skiing medals and set world records.  

His achievements have been widely recognised at home and internationally, including the Order of Australia Medal 1992, Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year 2002, and even one of Australia’s “Most Beautiful Exports” in 2003. Last year Michael became the first person with a disability to ski at more than 200 km/h, setting a world record of 210.4 km/h. He also scaled Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

Robyn Sanewski is a Youth Facilitator at the Biloela Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in her spare time. Having battled weight problems herself and determined her own children would not follow the same path, she has become passionate about the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle and believes these habits are formed at a young age.

Robyn initiated “Fit for Life”, a program promoting physical activity and healthier food choices for five to 15-year-olds attending the PCYC’s after-school care program. In 2004 she also started “Tumble Bugs”, an under-five gymnastics and fitness program designed to show young children how good it feels to be active.

Following her own healthy living plan, Robyn has lost more than 40 kg and says the Kokoda Trail is an added incentive to continue working towards her healthy weight goal. Robyn has been working with Wayne Wetherall CEO of Kokoda Spirit who has designed a training course specifically focused on achieving my dream of successfully crossing the Kokoda Trail.

“I never thought somebody like me would be picked as the winner,” Robyn said. “I was so happy when I was told the news that I cried until lunchtime!”

“My vision for healthier lifestyles among young people is being realised by people I have encountered through the Coca-Cola Community Awards,” said Michael Milton – now competing in the Winter Paralympic Games in Torino.

“There are so many Australians making a contribution, small and large, to the physical well-being of young Australians. It’s about time they are rewarded and recognised!”

Choosing a winner was a tough decision, as all the finalists showed real passion and commitment to getting young people active.

“Robyn’s program is truly innovative and she has a real vision to encourage healthy lifestyles among young people,” Michael said. “She is one of those unrecognised and unsung heroes of Australia who show that one person can make a real difference in the community. She is a true inspiration.”

This is the second time the Coca-Cola Community Awards have been made – Polar explorer and passionate environmentalist Robert Swan was Award Ambassador in 2004.

All finalists in the 2005 Awards received $5,000 for their organisations. Robyn received an extra $5,000 plus the chance to go on the Kokoda Trail with Kokoda Spirit as overall winner for 2005.

The other finalists were:

• Ben Murray, Campbelltown, NSW – Ski Mission (water-skiing and other water sports for school, church and other groups including at-risk kids.
• Gordon Bartle, Withcott, Qld – wheelchair basketball for young people with disabilities.
• Khi Fulthorpe (Weston, ACT) – promoting physical activity and building positive relationships through the Canberra PCYC.
• Mark Boyle, Rhodes, NSW – getting young people active through music, his program “Hiking with Drums” gets kids active through marching and parades while learning to play.
• Michael Wright, Clovelly, NSW – an active member of the North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club since the age of five, he is now a director and runs twice-weekly training sessions and Saturday carnivals for the Nippers (juniors).

“It is with pleasure that we are able to recognise and congratulate these finalists for the remarkable impact they have made in their local communities,” said Susie Te Velde, Communications Manager, CCAu. “We hope that their leadership will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”