Giant Steps - Rising Above Limits and Lifting Hearts for Autism
Date:August 6, 2023
Location:Barangaroo, Sydney
Participants:Approximately 300
Event Day
The excitement was palpable as the sun attempted to peek through the overcast morning, casting a cool and invigorating ambiance over Barangaroo, Sydney. On August 6th, 2023, a remarkable event unfolded - the Tower 1 Stair Challenge. With a shared goal of conquering 40 floors and 1000 stairs, around 300 participants gathered with hearts full of anticipation and determination. But this event was more than just a personal challenge; it was a celebration of camaraderie and an outpouring of support for a cause that touches hearts deeply - the Giants Steps school for autism in Sydney.
Giant Steps
Giants Steps Sydney is a beacon of hope for individuals with autism and their families. Giant Steps has been tirelessly working to provide tailored education and support to special individuals, empowering them to thrive and reach their full potential. The Tower 1 Stair Challenge served as a powerful fundraiser, with the event having raised an awe-inspiring $65,000 to date for Giants Steps. It's not just about scaling stairs; it's about scaling walls of adversity and breaking through barriers.
Results
The female and male elites who embody a spirit of competition and a passion for pushing limits, began to line up at 9:50 am. However, a few unfortunate scratchings due to injury and illness slightly thinned the ranks of the women's elite category, leaving only two entrants. The absence of last year's male winner Cody James and the impressive Lyndell Murray was keenly felt.
The male elite category saw Adam Ryan, one of the founders of the SCA, emerged victorious, triumphing with a time of 05:24.. What's more remarkable is that Adam hadn’t competed in a Tower run for several years until Australia 108. His secret? Muscle memory, he says, but we know it's the mark of a true natural. Jackson Bentley and Damien Enderbry forged an impressive tie for second place, both conquering the challenge in 05:36. Steve Bentley (SCA Vice President) third place, completing the course in 06:07. Mere seconds were all that separated these champions, highlighting the incredible competition.
The women's elite category continued to shine brightly. Mikaela Bentley defended her crown with a impressive finish of 06:43. Erika Enderby secured second place with a time of 07:19. The stair-climbing spirit appeared to be woven into the fabric of families, with the Bentley and Enderby families proving that climbing together leads to thriving together.
Multi Climbers
Credit is due to the unrelenting determination of the multi climbers pushing to achieve as many ascents as possible in the 2.5 hour time frame.
John Du Boulayx 12Marcus Burgess x 9 Alison Hill x 8 Janet Goodwin x 6 Maria Pia Piemontese x 6 Kevin Thompson x 5 Grayson O'Connor x 3 Arthavan Selvanathan x 3 Steve Bentley x 2 Mikaela Bentley x 2 Jackson Bentley x 2
We also acknowledge the efforts of SCA members Trina Welsh and Frank Cervi on their climbs.
Junior Climbers
The Tower 1 Stair Challenge isn't just about personal achievements. It's about the collective spirit that infuses every step with purpose and meaning. Young members like Josh Freer in 07:00 embraced improvement, slicing an impressive 51 seconds off his 2022 time . The heartwarming camaraderie between Benji Burgess 11:59 and Harry Ryan 10:44, who met for the first time, symbolised the unity that defines the stair climbing community.
SCA Presence
At any event, the goal is to stand out, engage the audience, and leave a lasting impression. Stair Climbing Australia (SCA) achieved this with our vibrant presence. Members proudly wearing their green and gold tops. A splash of colour were our new yellow wrist bands, symbolising a sense of community, accomplishment, and support for a healthy and active lifestyle. They serve as a reminder of the importance of physical activity, particularly stair climbing, in maintaining fitness and overall well-being.
Wearing the yellow wristband not only signifies a connection to SCA's mission and values, which include promoting fitness, it exemplifies energy, positivity, and optimism. This choice of color adds a touch of vibrancy to the message and encourages wearers to approach their fitness journeys with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.
Thank you
A special mention goes to Steve Corrie, the architect of the event's excitement. His dedication and creativity breathed life into the challenge, creating an experience that was not only physically demanding but also immensely enjoyable.
Gratitude to the event's sponsors and volunteers. The event would not have been possible without their unwavering dedication. Every helping hand contributed to the success of the challenge, and their role was acknowledged with heartfelt appreciation.
