Accessibility
Thursday, July 18, 2024
· Co-founders Olympian Scott Westcott and Paralympian Katie Kelly first established the Casino Fun Run in 2013 to bring professional fun runs to country areas that often missed out
· The Northern Rivers participation is increasing in numbers each year as the event attracts runners from across the region
· Today the Casino Fun Run organisers have taken the Co-Founders’ goals a step further, and are on track to make the Casino Fun Run Australia’s most inclusive country fun run
· New in 2024 - fully accessible courses and an ‘all-abilities’ race category
· New York Marathon runner Eileen Byers joins as Casino Fun Run Ambassador
· Secured Achieve Australia as the new Naming Rights Partner of the Fun Run
The Achieve Australia Casino Fun Run kicks off on Sunday, 15 September 2024 at 8AM from Queen Elizabeth Park. You can take part as a competitive runner or have fun and walk, jump, or stroll the course along Casino’s streets.
“This year, the Fun Run is more accessible than ever,” Katie Kelly OAM PLY explains. “People of all ages and abilities can choose from the 2km, 5km, 10km, and enter the new ‘all-abilities’ race category.”
“Our mission is to help people of all ages and abilities have fun and get into sport, especially kids. It’s a great confidence booster and brings the community together. Whether you have a walking frame, a child in a stroller, use a motorised wheelchair or roll with a wheelchair, you can get involved and make it your own race, run, stroll, roll or walk!!” she said.
We’re also excited to bring back the challenge for our teachers and students. There’s a trophy for the Primary school with the most participants in the 2km and trophies for the Primary and Secondary schools in the 5km. The three fastest male and female students in both events will win gold, silver, and bronze medals. Plus, there’s a trophy for the fastest teacher. Don’t forget to enter your school when you register.
Casino Fun Run co-founders Katie Kelly and Scott Westcott OLY want to bring more sporting events to regional and country areas. They are grateful for the current organisers including Fun Run organiser Peta Moloney, Casino Little Athletics NSW and the Richmond Valley Council for continuing to grow this Fun Run to include the whole community.
Katie, born in Casino, is a two-time Paralympian who won Gold in the Paratriathlon at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and Scott, born in Parkes, ran the Marathon at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow is encouraging residents and visitors to take part in this year’s Casino Fun Run.
“I have participated in previous fun runs, as well as the Casino Park Run, so I can attest to the opportunities they provide for community members to connect and get fit in an enjoyable environment,” Cr Mustow said.
“I encourage everyone across the Richmond Valley and beyond to enter and be part of this special day, which includes an easy-going, picturesque course.”
The event partners and organisers, including the Sport Access Foundation and naming sponsor Achieve Australia, are committed to making the Achieve Australia Casino Fun Run as inclusive as possible. Achieve Australia, a registered NDIS service provider, offers disability services in the Northern Rivers and Sydney, including accommodation, community engagement, and disability employment.
A big thank you to other Casino Fun Run partners and sponsors including the Casino RSM Club 10km sponsor, Lismore MG 5km sponsors, Parker & Kissane Solicitors 2km sponsor, volunteer partners Casino Fitness and Lions Club and the Fun Run’s charity partner Sport Access Foundation.
To register
Visit casinofunrun.com to sign up and be part of this all-inclusive Fun Run event.
Photo description: Includes two young girls holding hands as they walk through the Casino Fun Run 2km event.
Main story photo description: Includes about 10 people including Sponsors, Mayor of Casino, Eileen Byers Ambassador of Casino Fun Run and Katie Kelly Founder of Sport Access Foundation all facing Camera at the start of the Run track at the Fun Run Media Launch.
Available for interview:
Katie Kelly, 2x Paralympian, Diversity & Inclusion Advocate and Founder of the Sport Access Foundation.
Achieve Australia, CEO Jo-Anne Hewitt
Casino Fun Run Organiser, Peta Moloney
For interview bookings, please contact Cristina Barancik, Marketing and Communications Partner at Achieve Australia, 0493 020 069, cbarancik@achieveaustralia.org.au.
Get Involved
Your donation will go towards providing financial assistance and support to enable children with a disability to participate in sporting activities. Every dollar goes direct to the grant recipients to help with the cost of their sport, including modified equipment, carer costs, transport and fees.
