A stream of purple snaked around the Mt Annan Botanic Gardens on Sunday morning, 14 March, as Sylvanvale Foundation joined Macarthur Disability Services (MDS) for the 2010 Campbelltown City Challenge Walk.

More than 700 people wore the MDS purple t-shirts, showing their support for people with disabilities. The Sylvanvale contingent came from Campbelltown, Theresa Park, Catherine Field and Smithfield group homes as well as a number of Sylvanvale employees, friends and family. All agreed that the morning walk was enjoyable and rewarding and they appreciated the beautiful grounds of the botanic gardens.

It was the second year in a row that Sylvanvale joined the MDS Walking Together team in the 6km fun walk (running was not allowed) and the third year the MDS team won the prize for having the most members.

MDS General Manger Anne Thorn said: “I would personally like to thank everyone who joined our team to walk. We had over 200 registered walkers and another 700 or so who chose to wear the shirts supporting people with a disability, which made a giant purple trail around the course. It has become a huge day and we’re not only excited to win the largest team category, we’re also excited by the community’s acceptance of disability through this day”.

The annual event is a Campbelltown City Council Healthy Lifestyles project that was started more than 20 years ago by Neil Walker. This year there were well over 2300 participants – the most on record. This was announced by Campbelltown Mayor Aaron Rule as he recognised Mr Walker’s commitment to the event, and wished him well in his retirement.

In return for our support in this event, MDS will join Team Sylvanvale in the Sutherland 2 Surf in July. Keep an eye on the website for event details and registration forms.

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