On behalf of the SA Rogaining Committee I’d like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to our events this year. Competitors, volunteers, sponsors – you’re all part of the story of rogaining in South Australia for 2017.
And if the story were a book, it would be a real page turner. Events by the ocean, events in the bush, events on bikes – a new adventure at every turn. And, we have some new developments for next year – read on.
After almost a decade, it’s time to do a refresh of our website and entry system. I’d like to especially thank John Soden for his work building and supporting our online presence over that time. The new version will be unveiled in the first half of 2018, and I’m confident you’ll love it!
A new chapter is also dawning for our charitable partnership. Since 2009 we have had a very successful relationship with the Asthma Foundation of SA. Together we have turned our Bush 6hr event into the “Take A Breather Charity Challenge”. Competitors will remember the large marquee, gourmet food and the “buzz” of these events. I’m very happy to say that we welcomed many new people to rogaining in SA through this partnership, and the Asthma Foundation raised valuable funds to support their activities. Moving forwards, SARA wants to continue supporting the community. Here in SA we are very fortunate to have spectacular rogaining country and wonderful regional towns that we rely on for our events. From next year, we’ll be looking for SA regional charities or causes that we can raise money for; perhaps a local progress association or country school. That way we can more directly support the communities that so often support us. With this change we close a chapter with the Asthma Foundation SA, and I’d like to thank the foundation for the great partnership we’ve had over the last 9 years.
The final chapter in the story is about the SARA Committee. Since 2010 Ella Robinson has been Secretary and I have been President. We are now moving interstate and handing over those roles to new people in the new year. The Committee is a tremendously dedicated group of people and it has been a pleasure to be part of it. We look forward to watching SARA going from strength to strength and to regularly returning to take part in events.
Best wishes to you all for the holidays. Here’s to an even bigger and better 2018!
Mark Porter
(Soon to be former) President, SA Rogaining Association
