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Homeless men take up the City2Surf Challenge

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Friday, 08 August 2008 15:44
blog-city2surf-crowd.jpgSeven homeless Sydneysiders will take part in one of the city’s biggest sporting events – this year’s Sun Herald City2Surf race between the CBD and Bondi Beach on Sunday, 10 August.

The seven men – whose ages range from 25 to early 50s – come from several Mission Australia housing support services between Liverpool and Manly. Some of the participants have been homeless for up to eight years...

Leading the group will be Mission Australia’s Daniel Petsalis, who manages several of the organisation’s homeless services, including Missionbeat.

“Involving the guys in the City2Surf has been really positive – for their fitness, their self-esteem and for just improving their general outlook on life,” said Daniel.

“Getting out of homelessness – and staying out – is about more than just having a roof over your head. It’s also about being able to participate in your community and reconnect with other people. Taking part in the City2Surf is a great way of doing this.

“Making sure homeless people have access to sporting, cultural and social opportunities is an important part of getting them back on their feet.

“The support we’ve been getting has been fantastic. New Balance donated running shoes for all the guys to wear.”

Alex Marshall is one of the homeless men participating in the City2Surf.

Alex has been homeless for 12 months and recently took part in the Big Issue’s Street Soccer National Championship for homeless people in Melbourne.

“Taking part in events like the City2Surf and the Street Soccer National Championship are a positive way of getting my head out of day-to-day stresses. It gives me the strength and confidence I need to keep moving ahead with my life,” said Alex.

Mission Australia is an Official Partner of the 2008 Sun-Herald City2Surf.

Interviews and photos available with Daniel Petsalis, Alex Marshall and other homeless runners.

Media contact: Paul Andrews 0409 665 495 or (02) 9219 2080


 

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Founding Purpose - 'Inspired by Jesus Christ, Mission Australia exists to meet human need and to spread the knowledge of the love of God'

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