A GROUP of Nordic pole walkers received a hero’s welcome when they entered the St Stephen’s Cathedral precinct in Brisbane at the end of a trek from Melbourne on May 31.
To greet them was a large group of children from Holy Cross Primary School, Wooloowin; Holy Spirit Primary School, New Farm; and Mary Immaculate Primary School, Annerley, along with supporters, family and friends.
The five walkers and their team received similar welcomes along the way, as school children and communities turned out to encourage them on their quest to raise money for Children first! – Catholic Mission’s project to help children, and CareFlight Australia.
Walk leader, Michael Gates, said the tally of donations had not been finalised but he was confident it would exceed $30,000.
Michael, 43, and his walking partners, his son Jay, 25, Peter Oliver, 55, Bertrand Schmitt, 39, and Marco Kantenva, 35, achieved their goal of completing the 2000 km trek in 22 days.
Michael said the only problems were blisters and shin splints.
Nordic pole walkers are like skiers without their skis and without the snow. They use poles similar to cross country ski poles, pushing along on the poles as they walk.
