Media Release                                                                                    6 October 2009

 

 

Major political parties have been requested to acknowledge the major positive role worms play in climate change by entering a 'slider' in the Sandhurst Cup to be staged on Sunday 1st  November at Sandhurst, Australia's drought proof suburb in south east Melbourne.   
 
The carbon neutral event will highlight the importance of worms in the climate change debate.       
 
Details of the race will be announced this Friday in Melbourne.

The IWRC (International Worm Racing Council) the controlling body, will stage the Sandhurst Cup as an alternative climate change event to promote the contribution of worms to the environment.  The Sandhurst Cup will raise funds to extend the Limbs 4 Life amputee golf coaching clinics aimed at providing amputees with the tools required to become involved with golf and have the confidence to participate.  
 
Race Organiser and Chief Steward Ron Smith said the invitation for the political parties to become involved had been made to help them focus on the major economic, environmental role worms play, and will play in climate change.
 
"Worms underpin the Australian agricultural industry and are the environmental cleaners of household waste through worm farms  and condition Australia's soils, but none of the political parties have one word in their policies about Worms.    
 
"The  Sandhurst Cup will be run under strict IWRC rules with random drug testing, no whips, no hurdles and the dipping of worms in any alcohol before racing or during training banned and subject to heavy fines.
 
"We believe sources close to the Prime Minister have revealed discussions are taking place whether to enter 'The Ruddster'  with forces aligned to Penny Wong pushing 'Emissions Trading Scheme' as the official entry.
 
'Showdown' is being discussed by the Liberal Party with back bencher Wilson Tuckey trying to head a rebel syndicate 'Lost Election Strategy."   
 
"No Pokies" could be a strong possibility from independent Senator Nick Xenophon.
 
"Syndicates and sliders will be announced in the lead up to the event which will take place at 11.30am Sunday 1st November 2009.  The starting time of 11.30am is necessary as the race may take between an hour to two hours to finish depending on if the track is dry or heavy. 
 
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Race Organiser and Chief Steward Mobile: 0417 329 201 
 

 

 

The Amputee Golf Clinic Program
 
With the support of Christian Hamilton from the Sandhurst Club and the PGA Learning Centre Limbs 4 Life launched the first amputee golf coaching clinic in April 2009.
 
The purpose of these clinics is to provide amputees with the tools required to become involved with golf and have the confidence to participate.  
 
The benefits of the amputee golf clinics are twofold; firstly golf is a wonderful sport for people living with a physical disability, more so amputees; as it enhances and challenges balance, assists with flexibility and aids core stability while promoting general well being.   The second benefit is simply the fact that the clinics provide the opportunity for amputees to get together in a relaxed environment and can share the benefits of peer to peer support. 
 
Amputees from all ages are welcome to attend. We encourage novice golfers while they are still in-patients at rehabilitation hospitals. It gives them something positive to focus on outside of what is a serious clinical environment.  Ideally we would like more women and children to get involved too and will make that a part of our focus in the coming months.
 
Amputee golf clinics are promoted under the guise of "focus on something you CAN do" and golf is a perfect fit.
 
Testimonials from participants. 
 
I love attending the clinics and I always learn something and come away with a real sense of satisfaction.  Mark (below knee amputee)
 
Since losing my legs all I have wanted to do is play golf - slowly this is becoming a reality for me. I travel from Ballarat to attend every clinic. I am so happy. Allan (bilateral above knee amputee)
 
I never really thought of all the benefits that the clinics would bring. Thank you all so much. Chris (arm amputee)