Over the recent school holidays, four QAHS students traded a sleep in for an early start, volunteering with the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation at the Bag Drop area of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon.
Now in its forty sixth year, the marathon weekend took place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July at Broadwater Parklands, drawing tens of thousands of participants across eight events and reaffirming its place as one of the most iconic events on the Gold Coast calendar.
Michael Chen, Emi Wang and Sergio Teng volunteered across the weekend, while Chelsea Sombilon fronted up for both days, taking on a fast paced and high energy role at the heart of race morning. With shifts beginning at 4:30am, students helped manage the Bag Drop area as runners streamed into the precinct, ensuring belongings were logged and stored efficiently so competitors could focus on what mattered most, getting to the start line calm, prepared and on time.
Michael Chen provide his reflection on the event post-event.
"Seeing so many runners relying on us to keep their belongings safe required quick thinking and teamwork. It was fantastic and I am so honoured to help this Gold Coast Marathon run so smoothly."
The Gold Coast Hospital Foundation could not speak highly enough of the team, describing the students as enthusiastic and cheerful, and praising their tireless effort from start to finish, particularly given the early start. The QAHS spirit of service extended beyond our students too, with Principal Vanessa Rebgetz and her family once again volunteering at the Gold Coast Marathon Expo this year, continuing a tradition of community support that runs right through the Academy.
This latest contribution builds on QAHS's proud partnership with the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, following on from student involvement in Giving Day and the Foundation's Christmas gift wrapping initiatives, and forms a valuable part of students' CAS journeys within the IB. Volunteers were treated to breakfast and lunch on the day, along with a marathon volunteer shirt and cap, small thanks for a big effort.
We congratulate Chelsea, Emi, Michael and Sergio on representing the Academy so well during their school holidays and thank the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation for continuing to welcome QAHS students and staff.
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect