Steve Waugh is one of Australia’s most iconic figures and celebrated sportsmen. Since retiring from cricket, Steve has worked tirelessly to support a number of worthy causes in Australia. Steve and his wife Lynette have a particular passion for raising awareness of, and funds for, young people with rare diseases.
A highlight of their fundraising efforts is The Captain’s Ride, where Steve and a group of well-known sportsmen and women undertake a gruelling six day ride to raise funds for young people. Through the innovative use of social media, Steve and his fellow riders will, as their slogan says, put rare diseases on the map.
For the first time, Steve is bringing this exciting event to Tasmania this November and the Tasmanian Government is backing this worthy event with a $20,000 contribution.
Earlier today I met with Steve and Lynette as well as the Kitchin family from Scottsdale, who have been supported by funds raised by The Captain’s Ride. Xavier Kitchin’s story is sadly not an isolated one. Born with a rare, undiagnosed genetic condition, Xavier requires on-going medical attention and sometimes finds it difficult to do the things that many children and families take for granted. The Steve Waugh Foundation stepped in and provided a modified outdoor play area for Xavier, which Xavier absolutely loves and means he can enjoy playing outdoors like most other five year olds.
This is just one example of the approximately 600 families that the Steve Waugh Foundation has been able to help around Australia, including 11 families in Tasmania.
By bringing The Captain’s Ride to Tasmania, Steve is hoping to not only raise much needed funds, but also highlight to Tasmanian families caring for young people with rare diseases that they are not alone and that there is support available.
The Captain’s Ride will travel through a number of areas including Launceston, Devonport, Cradle Mountain, Tarraleah, Strahan and Hobart. Each evening during The Captain's Ride, the Steve Waugh Foundation will hold special events and hear from guest speakers including former sporting greats and other well-known Australians.
I encourage all Tasmanians to dig deep and get behind this worthy event this November.
More information is available here - https://www.stevewaughfoundation.com.au/the-captains-ride/