The Krazy Kosci Klimb 2017

Our Service Learning Program at Newington College Lindfield (NCL) has been set up so that our community can actively contribute to resolving social and environmental problems, both locally and globally. We want our boys to deepen their understanding of not only, why these problems exist, but also to realise that everyone can play a part in shaping a better world. We expect our boys to be compassionate and responsible. Service allows boys to put these values into action while also offering them an experiential learning opportunity that is rewarding in terms of personal growth.

Service Learning is relevant to all of us. It is an enriching learning opportunity to experience and strengthens its communities. In the past we have seen many different ways the students, families and staff at NCL have been involved in giving back – Pink Stumps Day at the cricket, helping in overseas communities, and helping out at homeless shelters. Often we are able to share how we have been involved in Service Learning. They are the stories we tell. This article is written from the perspective of someone who has been very fortunate to have received the support of a community in a very special way.

On 18 February my family participated in the Krazy Kosci Klimb where people living with Cerebral Palsy (CP), or other disabilities, are supported in the challenge of walking to the summit of Mt Kosciusko. My son, Tim, who has CP, was the recipient of the support of many people as he participated in this event – his family, volunteers from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) and our designated corporate sponsors.  As a family we have had been associated with CPA for many years and Tim currently is involved in the Accessible Gym and Sports Program to strengthen his muscles. When his exercise physiologist challenged him to complete this walk, there was no turning back. We had to be involved.

The Krazy Kosci Klimb is a major fundraising event for CPA’s Accessible Gym and Sports Program and, as well as supporting each other on the walk, we also worked together to raise money to provide essential funding for this program so that they are able to continue to provide specialised exercise equipment and exercise personnel for people with Cerebral Palsy. We also built lasting relationships within the team as we supported Tim and each other to be successful in this challenge.

There was no shortage of helpers as we started the trek to the top of Kosciusko. It was a long day which began at 7:00am and as we dressed to suit our superhuman efforts, Team Tim began walking the 18.6km up and down the dirt fire trail which was often uneven, sometimes very rocky, sometimes very steep, and sometimes very windy and cold. There were times when we weren’t sure we would finish the entire walk – the weather made walking difficult, the rain threatened and we walked in the clouds. But with constant encouragement for and from each other, an arm to lean on as a crutch, the comfort stops along the way which provided much-needed refreshments, and a lot of laughs and jokes along the way, we reached the summit. Then the realisation set in that we were only halfway. We were yet to get back down the mountain!

Support along the walk came in many forms but the most memorable was the encouragement for each other from all the other 19 teams that were also participating in the Krazy Kosci Klimb. It was truly an empowering and emotional experience – to see people in wheelchairs being carried, pushed, and pulled over the rocky trail and some being helped to cross those critical milestones – the summit and the finish line – on their feet rather than in their wheelchairs. The tears and cheers that flowed as each of the Krazy Kosci Krews reached the summit and crossed the finish line were unceasing.

This experience has not only formed new friendships, a bond with our team members, a hugely successful fundraising effort (over $200,000 raised for the Accessible Gym and Sports Program of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance), but a realisation that in difficult times, whatever they may be, we will never be alone.

Sue Gough (and family)