Bob Gordon
Managing Director
Inspirational ultra marathon runner Vlastik Skvaril returns home to Tasmania this weekend, after completing an epic 3,200-kilometre push scooter journey from Darwin to Adelaide to raise funds for CanTeen.
The great grandfather celebrated his 70th birthday in Darwin at the start of his push scooter ride, which he completed in 40 days. His journey was undertaken in support of CanTeen, an organisation helping young people living with cancer.
Vlastik has now completed three extraordinary charity runs, including a run from Cockle Creek to Cape York in 2006 and from Shark Bay to Byron Bay in 2008, all for Camp Quality and CanTeen.
He experienced some of the worst weather imaginable during his latest ride. The dust storms that blanketed the east coast of Australia started in the area Vlastik crossed and at times riding was impossible due to the force of the wind
During his journey Vlastik had the opportunity to talk to many people and organisations, including fellow travellers and schools along the highway, about his reasons for the ride and this generated further interest in CanTeen.
Vlastik arrived on the outskirts of Adelaide on Monday 5 October and completed the last ride to Colonel Lights Lookout on 6 October. Vlastik and his wife Jo, who drove the support vehicle, were greeted by an enthusiastic group from CanTeen who joined him on scooters leading to the lookout.
Vlastik has been a tireless supporter of people whose lives have been affected by adversity. Forestry Tasmania is proud to have been associated with his fundraising efforts.
The Forestry Tasmania-Southern Cross Television Community Assist Program covered most of Vlastik’s expenses, ensuring all funds raised by the ride were donated to CanTeen.
Vlastik and his wife Jo, who drove the support vehicle throughout his ride, are now heading towards Melbourne for the Spirit of Tasmania crossing into Devonport on 11 October. A celebration breakfast in Devonport is planned on their arrival.
Branchline, October 7, 2009
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