When Sunshine Butterflies heard that the Noosa Triathlon was cancelled due to COVID-19, they we incredibly disappointed, as their members love participating in the Tingirana Special Triathlon each year.
Thankfully, along came an army of professional triathlon and multisport event staff, triathletes, triathlon club members and locals who all volunteered their time to bring the incredibly heart-warming event to Sunshine Butterflies.
Courtney Akrigg from World Triathlon joined forces with Bec van Pooss from Iron Man Oceania and together they rallied their industry colleagues and mates, to host this very special triathlon event at Sunshine Butterflies five-acre property ‘Our Backyard’ at Cooroibah.
Members of all abilities took part in three inclusive events for the day, a ‘Run’ leg, (an egg ‘n’ spoon race), a water-based relay and a ‘bike’ leg utilising wheelchairs and billy carts.
It was an emotional moment as the triathletes came racing through the finish line, cheered on by our awesome volunteers from St Andrew’s Anglican College, the Noosa community and the many Sunshine Butterflies staff.
Members were treated to a special guest appearance from the incredible vision-impaired cyclist Darryl Munck and Tim Rook who shared their experiences about getting out there on their awesome two-seater bicycle.
To top off an already incredible day, the Noosa Tri team presented Sunshine Butterflies with a very generous donation of $,000, raised by the wonderful Noosa Tri team.
Recently retired professional triathletes Beth and Luke McKenzie joined in the fun and were blown away by the wonderful atmosphere.
There were smiles, laughter and tears of pure joy from everyone that attended.
It was one of the most magical days at ‘Our Backyard’ described by one of the members, as “the best day of my life.”
