Charity Dash Back With A Splash

By Marcus Braid on November 6, 2015 in

On Saturday, November 21, hundreds of competitors will descend upon Bondi Beach to compete in the second annual Bondi Splash N’ Dash, raising money for Waverley Action for Youth Services (WAYS).

The brainchild of local lifeguard and Bondi Rescue star Andrew ‘Reidy’ Reid, the Splash N’ Dash is back this year, bigger and better than before, with a goal to raise $10,000 for WAYS, and get the community involved in the process.

“I just want to give everyone an opportunity to be fit and healthy,” Mr Reid said. “We deal with a lot of mental illness on the beach, and I’m a strong believer that exercise fights that.”

The cause is one that is close to Reidy’s heart.

“I was heavily involved with them (WAYS) as a teenager. The $10,000 will help the school they run and give the kids the chance to grow and become better people.”

Whilst the day attracts elite athletes from all around over the country, Reidy stressed that it will be accessible to all skill levels, with its run/swim/ run style format setting it apart from the competitive environment of other ocean swims.

“Races like the Duck Dash for Cash give everyone a chance to get involved,” he said.

Today Show regular Tim Gilbert is one competitor with his sights set on a win.

“He has made this his goal race,” Reidy said. “He wants to win the Duck Dash for Cash.”

Having lost an impressive 30kg while shaping up to compete in the event, Gilbert will be under extra pressure to succeed, with The Today Show crossing live to the event throughout the morning.

“Even if you don’t want to compete, come down, enjoy the sausage sizzle in support of WAYS, and have you’ll have the chance to get your face on television,” Reidy said.

Fellow Today Show presenter Sylvia Jeffries is rumoured to be taking Gilbert on in the Duck Dash for Cash, and triathlete Courtney Atkinson is set to return again this year for the main race.

For those unsure about competing, free training sessions have been organised, courtesy of Bondi Fit, with the final session to be held on November 7th. Former elite triathlete and Reidy, along with surf swimming doyener Spot Anderson will, run the sessions, with the Reidy’s assistance.

“We take them through what is involved in the event, and give them more confidence to compete. Everyone’s welcome to come and see what it is all about,” he said.

Reidy’s determination to give back to the competitors is topped off by the unique trophies that he has created for the event’s winners, featuring iconic images of North Bondi, courtesy of Anthony Glick of from Glick Photography.

Following the Splash N’Dash, the an after party at the North Bondi RSL is the perfecta chance for competitors to celebrate their achievements and for everyone to get together, whilst making a further contribution to WAYS. For Reidy, it’ll be the perfect end to a fun- filled day.

“I want to create a really great experience,” he said. “If I can give back, and raise some money for these kids along the way, then I’ve done my job.”

To register for the Bondi Splash N’ Dash, visit www.bondisplashndash.com.au.