More than 250 guests donned their finest race wear to help raise money for UQ’s high performance athletes at the UQ John Barnes & Co Locksmith Race Day on October 25.
Some of Brisbane’s highest profile companies descended on Doomben race course to enjoy live racing, music and fine food from the luxury of the UQ SPORT marquee, injecting more than $40,000 into the scholarship program.
In the wake of the University’s successful Olympics campaign, with more than 20 UQ students, graduates and staff members representing Australia in Beijing, guests were entertained throughout the afternoon by some of UQ’s leading Olympic cohort.
Swimming sensation Melanie Schlanger, who brought home gold and bronze medals from her first ever Olympics, was in attendance, while triathlon bronze medallist Emma Moffatt, diver Robert Newbery and rowing coach Tim Conrad were among others who also mingled with patrons.
In the highlight event of the day, the $1000 UQ SPORT Quality handicap (1200m), Ghetto Blaster, surprised even UQ SPORT’s own tipster to overcome a strong field and finish first.
Held for the fourth time this year, the event is the only major opportunity to raise funds for UQ’s high-performance athletes.
“To raise $40,000 was far more than we had envisaged and considering every cent goes directly to our scholarship athletes it was fabulous to see so many businesses getting behind Australia’s future sporting stars,” UQ SPORT Executive Director Kim Guerin said.
“After the equine flu caused the event to be cancelled last year, it was particularly special to see all the businesses maintaining their strong support for UQ athletes.”
In another huge boost for elite student-athletes, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield recently announced the University would double its contribution to sporting scholarships in 2009, increasing the number of scholarship holders from 12 to 24 and raising the funding per scholarship from $1500 to $6000.
Media: Kellie-Ann Williams at UQ SPORT (07 3345 6034, kellieannw@uqsport.uq.edu.au)
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