http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-14/sebastians-story/4262812?section=act
Watch out for some of the Civic2Surf runners in the last minute of the interview. Unfortunately, Jack and Evan's interview didn't make the cut so we have included an interview with the two Civic2Surf organisers.
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How old are you/what do you study?
Jack:
I’m 21 and I study a Bachelor of Science and Commerce.
Evan:
I am 21 and I study a Bachelor of Arts/Commerce.
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What
inspired you to create the Civic2Surf?
Evan:
We wanted to create something that both physically and mentally challenged
ourselves outside of university and to generate something positive for a cause
that affects so many people our age.
Jack:
I was really surprised to hear that Seb had a mental health issue and it
made me think there must be other people out there, maybe mates of mine, that
have suffered too, and think they have to tackle this alone. I believe this
event is a great way to get people talking and reaching out to others, sharing
their own struggles.
I enjoy running and challenging
myself and I felt like this event was a good way to integrate the two.
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When did
you first hear about Batyr?
Evan: I
first heard about Batyr when Seb spoke at John XXIII College in March 2011.
Jack:
Yeah I first heard friends talking about how great Seb’s presentation was, so I
looked Batyr up online and spoke to Seb and got a good understanding about what
the charity was about and thought it was a really worthwhile cause.
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Why did
you decide to change the event from the 2011 format?
Jack: After the success of last years run, a
large number of people expressed interest in running with us in 2012. So a
relay format enables us to involve a lot more people. In this way, 60 runners
can participate and they can all reach out to 10 or so people each, many more
people are engaged which helps raise awareness and funds. And it is exciting
doing a relay!
Evan: Our goal is to make the
Civic2Surf an event that can be run annually and is challenging yet possible
for everyone.
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What has
been the biggest challenge?
Jack: Getting permission from the NSW Police
to hold the event, when we initially proposed the 24hour idea they shut it down
immediately- which was quite deflating. It has been challenging to work around
this roadblock and design the run so it keeps all the runners safe and will get
us there in 24 hours. At this
stage, Seb played a crucial role. He really taught us to be persistent and not
take no for an answer.
Evan: We really want to ensure that the Civic2Surf does Batyr justice so another big challenge is trying to make as many people aware of the great work Batyr does as possible.
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What has
been the biggest highlight?
Evan: Many things- seeing how quickly
everyone has gotten involved, the stories people have shared, the amount of
positive feedback we have received. And finally meeting so many new people!
Jack: A massive highlight has been receiving
the $5000 SEEF grant from the university on Friday, it takes so much pressure
off our finances and allows us to have a really fun launch event and end point.
It was very rewarding because a lot of the organisers put a lot of time and
effort into forming a really solid application.
I have also been overwhelmed by
how quickly everyone got involved, the runners signed up in 24 hours. We have a
great bunch of organisers who have put so much effort into this event.
I can’t wait for the run to start
and I know a highlight will be running into Bondi with the team.
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What do
you do to unwind/release stress?
Evan: I
take myself away from where I am. When I can, I go to the beach and have a
surf. Anything that is worrying me I put down on paper and put it aside until
things are put into perspective.
Jack: Go for a jog is a great way to clear
your mind. Getting out of Canberra every now and then is always a hit.
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Who do you
talk to when you have concerns?
Evan: My mum who manages to always fix
everything, but I also have close friends who I can always call for a chat.
Please continue to spread the word and donate at:
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