NOT SO ELITE ATHLETES
On the 18th of June 2022, four not-so-elite athletes decided to put their mental and physical strength to the test.
We were committed to completing the Kokoda Challenge on the Sunshine Coast 2022.
The 48km Kokoda Challenge saw the team tackle Imbil State Forest on the Sunshine Coast.
This wasn’t just any challenge; there were endless false peaks, unforgiving hills and the coldest river crossing known to man!
PEEING ON YOURSELF
Zane set the pace, and being our morale booster, gave us constant boosts.
Saying things like ‘the top was just around the corner’ (even when it wasn’t).
He kept us laughing by telling us that ‘peeing on yourself is a cure for almost everything!’.
Subsequently we kept pushing forward with spirits high.
AGE IS ONLY A NUMBER
We were honoured to have a seasoned competitor amongst us.
Desley, who had previously completed the 96km Kokoda Challenge on the Gold Coast twice!
There was no doubt that having her in our team was going to be a definite advantage.
You wouldn’t know it to look at her, but Desley had recently celebrated her 58th birthday.
Therefore, it was evident that age is only a number, and that a positive mindset can get you through the most difficult of tasks.
A SOLDIER SUFFERING FROM PTSD
Here’s some heartwarming words from one of the Watastomp crew or as we affectionately call ourselves the ‘Stompers’.
‘The Kokoda Challenge wasn’t something I’d planned on doing with three people I barely knew.’
‘As a soldier suffering from PTSD, this challenge was the most personally rewarding goal achieved this year.’
‘The support and respect we gave each other during the event was exceptional.’
‘It has given me a sense of renewed purpose, endurance, and courage in the task of rebuilding myself.’
WE DUG DEEP
This challenge was something that I have been aiming to do for so long.
Therefore the event being held on the Sunshine Coast made it an absolute must.
I somehow convinced these three legends to tackle this challenge with me.
In addition, I am just so proud of this team and what we achieved.
We didn’t make the time that we were aiming for, but morale was high, and we dug deep for each other.
In short, we feel it is the most important element of all and what it’s really all about.
At times, I’ll be honest, I nearly gave up.
However, the spirit and endurance of the team kept these knees in check and my mind and body moving forward.
OUR HALF-WAY POINT SAVIOUR
Massive appreciation to Shane from Toe 2 Toe Boxing & Martial Arts Supplies.
Shane shut his doors early Friday and headed on up to set up camp for us in Kenilworth.
To see the rig of a truck set up at the half-way point with our meals, snacks, drinks, and chairs waiting for us was an absolute lifesaver.
Above all, I can certainly say, if we didn’t have your support, we wouldn’t have been able to make this happen.
Thank you.
JOIN US IN 2023
Yes, we’ll be back next year – with a goal of running at least two teams.
Please read on if you are interested in joining us in 2023 or would like to become a sponsor.
$383,000 RAISED FOR THE KOKODA YOUTH FOUNDATION
This year was the first time the Kokoda Challenge has been run on the Sunshine Coast.
With just over 1800 competitors as a collective, it managed to raise $383,000 for the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
This event is run on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and now the Sunshine Coast.
TAKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR 2023
If you want to be part of the Watastomp Team or become a Team Sponsor.
Please simply contact Frankiie via Instagram at @wataweek or email wataweek@outlook.com.au
Frankiie will provide you with any information you need to know on how to be a part of such an amazing event and the ultimate Watastomp Team!
The 2023 events will be mapped out in November 2022.
Events will be focused around outdoor activities/team events with the occasional individual events.
Positions for advertising on team shirts is expected to open around January/February 2023 and team shirts done by April/March.
Team shirts will be worn at all events with our main one being the Kokoda Challenge.
In addition, sponsors will also be listed on WataWeek social media platforms.
Come Stomp with us!
