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Monash staff and students ‘Walk the Talk’

25 July 2007

From the left : Preparing for the Walk the Talk marathon are  Andreia Marques, Team Leader, Community Fitness Events and Martin Doulton, Director Monash Sport at the Monash University Clayton Campus in Melbourne, with Johan Smith Sports Officer at Monash South Africa.

Monash South Africa entered a team of 150 staff and students, who joined nearly 40 000 others, including many local celebrities and sports stars, to enjoy a fun walk while raising money for charity in the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk, in Johannesburg on Sunday 22 July.

Celebrities taking part in the event included Transport Minister Jeff Radebe, boxing “giant” Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala, Everest climber Deshun Deysel, former Bok captain Morne du Plessis and former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh.

The Monash team, who all wore distinctive Team MONASH University T-shirts, formed one of the biggest teams taking part in the event, which included 5km, 8km, 21km and 42km walk marathons. Ten student volunteers lent their support to Monash participants.

Monash South Africa Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius said: "We are delighted at the excellent response we had from Monash South Africa staff and students to take part in Walk the Talk," Professor Pretorius said.

"While supporting a good cause, these events promote participation in healthy fun activities leading to fitness, and create a sense of unity and community spirit among staff and students on campus."

A percentage of the entry fees for the Walk the Talk were donated to the Laureuns Sport for Good Foundation. In total the foundation received R40 000 from the event including a R10 000 donation from Discovery.

Monash South Africa supported this event by covering the costs of the registration fees for the Monash participants and by providing two 65-seater buses to transport the team to and from the event. A Monash marquee tent was set up at the campsite at Marks Park in Emmarentia for the team to relax and enjoy a braai afterwards.

A group of Monash South Africa students at the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk walking marathon.