The 5th Annual Kokoda Challenge will be held on the weekend of July 18th – 19th, 2009. The Kokoda Challenge is a cross-country bushwalking team event where teams of 4 people trek a 96km course through the Gold Coast Hinterland within a 39 hour time limit. The event was designed to reflect the key elements of the Spirit of Kokoda with 96km representing the actual distance of the Kokoda Track and the 39 hours symbolizing the 39th Militia who were the first of our Australian troops to arrive at Kokoda on 15th July 1942.
The Kokoda Challenge Association is a not for profit organisation that was formed by founder and Chairman, Doug Henderson in January 2005. Funds raised contribute to the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP). Sponsors who have entered teams include include Network Ten, 97.3FM and Hot Tomato, Go Camping and Southern Cross University.
The Kokoda Challenge Association was established in January 2005 with two main aims
1. To educate youth and raise general public awareness of the gallant victory by Australian soldiers in 1942 on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea a victory which undoubtedly saved Australia from Japanese occupation.
2. To identify young Australians who are at a crossroad and support them through a 12 month community counsel The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program. This requires the participants selected to undertake a 12 month commitment to a community program, designed and supported by the Kokoda Challenge Association, which encourages participants to develop self-awareness within the wider community and prepare them for the challenges of life. The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program culminates in the participants using the skills and training to undertake the challenge of walking the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
To register and find out more about this exciting event, go to www.kokodachallenge.com/2009-challenge. Join in The 5th Annual Kokoda Challenge and trek through an amazing 96km course through the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland.