The 2017 SHG ‘Be the Best You Can Be’ Athletics Carnival took place on Thursday 7 September at the AIS track and field stadium in Canberra. It attracted 400 children from over 15 different Canberra primary schools, high schools and colleges.
The event allowed any child with a physical or intellectual disability to participate in a range of modified track and field events in a fun and supportive environment. They took part in a rotation of activities including sprints, vortex throw, long jump and shot put.
Here’s how Louise Ellery saw the day: ‘Thank you Snedden Hall & Gallop for brightening the lives of the children involved in the Be The Best You Can athletics carnival today. It was lots of fun!’
Here is some more great feedback we received for the 2017 event:
‘What a day! You legends at SHG have done it again!’ from a volunteer.
‘The students seemed to have a wonderful day; the activities were great and well suited.’ from a teacher.
‘Just a quick note to say thank you for the most amazing day.’ from a parent.
‘We had another great day and the dancing was a welcome addition as our boys loved it.’ from a teacher.
‘I know the boys raved about the day and had an awesome time, they both expressed what a great event it was to be a part of. Please think of us again next year when planning!‘ Blake Henman of the Vikings Group who were represented by players, Ben Hyne and Andrew Robinson.

Sponsors

The staff at Snedden Hall & Gallop are not alone in creating this fantastic day out. The carnival would not be possible without the continued support of our enthusiastic and generous sponsors, including Supabarn, Capital Chemist and the AIS. Please see the list of our 2017 BTBYCB day Sponsors. Your support of them is greatly appreciated.

Celebrity Attendance

This year we were privileged to be joined by world-classs para-athletes including Jayden Sawyer, who won a javelin gold medal at the world para-athletics championships in London; Louise Ellery, a seated shotput paralympian who has won both bronze ans silver medals, as well as paralympian gold medal winning cyclist, Sue Powell. These extraordinary athletes spoke with the children, showed them their medals and inspired all who met them. Canberra Vikings rugby players Ben Hyne and Andrew Robinson attended the event as did CBR Brave ice hockey players Mark Rummukainen, Jordan Gavin and Steven Blunden. Thank you all for giving up your time.

Mascots

We had renowned sports announcer Tim Gavel calling the mascots race which included YMCA’s Filbert Frog, Cancer Council’s Sid the Seagull, Happy Heart, CBR Brave Bot, Brumby Jack, Victor the Viking and SHG’s very own Shaggy. These fabulous mascots interacted with the children, participated in the mascot race as well as showing some great moves as they danced!

Dance Party

A first for this event, the Woden School’s Party Down Productions put on a fantastic dance party. You should have seen the conga line of mascots and children. Truly awesome!
You can find out more about the 2018 event here.

Enjoy some photos from the 2017 Athletics Carnival.