Kurilpa Derby: West End On Wheels
31 August, 2009
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KURILPA DERBY: West End On Wheels 24th of August 2009
The West End Community Association (WECA) is planning a follow up to last year’s “Kurilpa Wheelchair Derby” by broadening the focus to include all sorts of wheels. It’s on Sunday September the 20th and is now called the “Kurilpa Derby: West End On Wheels”.
Taking place in the part of Brisbane traditionally know as Kurilpa (that’s West End, South Brisbane, Hill End, Dutton Park, Highgate Hill and parts of Woolloongabba) the event will be open to all Brisbane residents but will be particularly targeted at those from the local area.
The Derby will have two parts and promises something for everyone. “There will be a parade where participants are encouraged to grab something with wheels and then get out and look great. The other aspect to the event will be a series of races and demonstrations where wheelchair and skateboard street muscle is sure to burn rubber and thrill both spectators and participants alike.”
Organiser, Adrian Buzolic, is currently calling for entrants to register their interest. “We’re building up a database of entrants at the moment.
“We’re also calling on businesses and groups of individuals in the area to form support crews for each entry. We like what some of local rev heads do with their cars so maybe they’d like to do something special with the wheelchairs. It doesn’t stop there though. Sponsoring an entrant with wheels could be an excellent promotion for a business or a community organisation, not to mention the team building benefits that come from bringing staff together over a project that is worthwhile as well as a lot of fun.”
“We might even see the residents of a local street joining together to form a support crew.”
Local indigenous elder Auntie Mulinjarlie was the first to recognise just how worthwhile a derby would be so she’s been adopted as the patron of the event. “I’ll be out there too. Don’t you worry about that. Years ago we used to have an impromptu parade down Boundary Street to herald in the New Year. It was great fun and brought the community together that little bit more. Last year’s derby focused on wheelchairs but this year we’re broadening the focus to just about everything on wheels – except cars of course. I can’t wait to get out there on old Nellie – that’s my wheelchair – get all dolled up – definitely with indigenous colours – and make a spectacle. I don’t know if I’ll be entering the races – maybe if there’s a “slow and safe” category”
Or if supporting an individual entry isn’t their bag then businesses and community groups might like to come up with some prizes for the various events – race winners or even “best in show”.
- An event for people who depend on wheelchairs for transport.
- A parade with wheelchair floats
- Good fun races for everyone with wheels – real or imaginary.
- To be run in West End on Sunday 20th September, 2009
- Looking for potential entrants to register their interest
- Looking for support crews
- Looking for donations of prizes
Interested parties can contact Adrian Buzolic on (07) 3255 0271 or by email on buzolica@ozemail.com.au
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