Victoria’s top cop and his band of brothers have thrown their support behind Australia’s premier canoe event.

 

YMCA, the event’s organising charity, today unveiled that it had secured VicSuper as the naming rights sponsor for the 2009 Murray Marathon. Beginning on 27th December 2009, the VicSuper Murray Marathon is a 404km, five day flat-water canoe race along the Murray River beginning in Yarrawonga and culminating in Swan Hill on New Year’s Eve.

 

VicSuper is a superannuation fund set up to look after all Victorians, and is the industry leader in incorporating sustainability into its investments and operations. The fund wholeheartedly supports YMCA Victoria’s commitment to reinvesting all the money raised from the marathon into the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the region.

 

“VicSuper is pleased to be involved with such an iconic event, particularly one that brings so much to the communities living along the Murray” said Bob Welsh, Chief Executive, VicSuper.

 

“VicSuper’s commitment is to all Victorians, and we demonstrate that commitment not only by supporting events like this one, but through our investments and our ongoing presence in regional areas.”

 

The 2009 VicSuper Murray Marathon will feature the events traditional 404km marathon, and a 202km half marathon, both are fantastic for individuals, relay and schools teams. The K4 Challenge team event provides an opportunity for teams new to the sport to participate without the outlay of the equipment via donated canoes. New to the program is the YMCA Murray Challenge.  This event gives recreational paddlers a taste of the marathon in a single day; it will span the 63km between Echuca and Torrumbarry, and will take place on Wednesday 30th December.

 

“We are delighted to align the Murray Marathon with VicSuper and to have the support of the community and local councils in the region. The event attracts 4000 competitors, support crews and volunteers and has significant economic and social impact.” said Scott Chapman, Chair of the 2009 VicSuper Murray Marathon.

 

Registrations officially open on the 8th August online at www.murraymarathon.ymca.org.au and one of the first to register online will be Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Simon Overland. Victoria Police are entering two teams in the event; Blues & Brothers, a team made up of indigenous youth, elders and Victoria Police members and the Echuca based “Upstream with a Paddle” team in which Commissioner Overland will be participating as a relay member.

 

“Victoria Police is pleased to be involved in the VicSuper Murray Marathon and I am personally looking forward to competing on the day,’ Mr Overland said.  “Not only is this a fantastic event, but it is also a great opportunity to meet new people and get into the community spirit.”

 

Individuals or teams of paddlers who are interested in joining Commissioner Overland, the Blues & Brothers on the 2009 VicSuper Murray Marathon can register online at www.murraymarathon.ymca.org.au from Saturday 8th August.

 

 

The YMCA is a community based charity that builds strong people families and communities, largely through recreational opportunities. The YMCA strongly advocates for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy healthy and active lives. www.victoria.ymca.org.au