Spastic Centre Kids Day 2009
After the success from last years event, it was inevitable another day for the kids needed to happen, the team at the Spastic Centre were not disappointed and immediately started the process to get it under way. Within no time we had 30 families confirmed and excitement growing as most were present last year. The aim was to give the parents a day off and enjoy our hospitality, again we had some generous sponsors which meant the families only had to turn up and enjoy the day. Eagle Air Conditioning donated $250 towards catering, West Gosford Bakers Delight had donated Cakes and buns, the Taylor family donated fresh bread, Turramurra butchers donated sausages, Point Clare guides leant us tables for the day, NPWS provided day passes for park entry for the families, thank you to all who made this day easier.
The 14th of March had finally arrived, along with a nice warm sunny day. We had ten boats in attendance coming from all over Sydney, Central Coast even the Riverina, the drivers were Michael Ficker, Paul Tyson, Wayne Sahlman, Greg Chesher, Ross Hedgecock, Matthew Fallow, Paul Mullan, Marcel Piat, Mark Gyles and myself with Phil Hazel and Cliff Friend helping out on the Wharf. As the families started arriving, the V8’s were fired up and the fun started. All levels of adventure were catered for, even the youngest scaredy cats were soon demanding to go faster.
We did have an early hiccup as a boat pulled over due to a overheating problem, but fortunately this was diagnosed as a memory lapse, since Mark had forgotten to open his cooling tap. This was soon rectified and was away again only stopping a couple more times to top up the cooling water. Paul Mullan had also pulled over briefly to find one of his reverse bucket bolts had fallen out, unfortunately the 770 ones were not quite compatible with the Colorado ones in the spare unit I had brought along for display purposes. These minor mishaps did not spoil the enjoyment of the kids as the action kept on going.
Gabriel and Lyn from the Spastic Centre were very busy during the day organizing kids and parents into life jackets and boats making sure no one missed out. Lunch time come around quickly and the JAA ladies made sure every one got fed, Lauren, Sue and Lyn did a great job with Jessica helping out with the food preparation.
We got 28 excited families turn up including most of the fathers and siblings and lots of big smiles all round. With another successful day, it looks like this could turn into an annual event.
As the day started to wind down and all the tired kids being loaded into thier cars, Michael, Greg and myself decided to reward our kids for there great effort with swim at the beach to finish off the day, it was a very long day and we enjoyed a leisurely swim, even the torrential rain did not bother us.
Some of the feedback we have received from many of the families who enjoyed the day
Dear Captain Gabor
Thanks so much to you & Rita & all involved in organizing & running the fabulous day on Saturday. Our whole family had such a wonderful day – it’s becoming one of those highlight days of the year! Please pass on our thanks to all involved, & all the Armstrong’s’ fingers are crossed that there’ll be another day next year!!!
Thanks again,
Libby, Dave, Nicky, Ben, James & Tom Armstrong
Hello
Thanks to everyone for making the day so special. I know that Ella really enjoyed herself. The weather was perfect and the food was great. Thanks to Simon and all those who drove us around. Again it was great
Cheers
Judy, Laz and Ella Korlaki
Hi Simon, family and Captains
On behalf of all the families who attended Saturday 14th let me say what a great success. I believe that all the children and adults had a great time. Thank you for giving up your own precious time and giving it to us. I hope the smiles said it all.
To Gabriel and Rita
Thank you soooooo much for organizing such a wonderful day for us all. We had a fantastic time and we would like our very special thanks passed onto all those wonderful people who helped put it all together-especially the Jetboat Assoc. of Australia. We haven’t had such a great day out as a family for a while, and it is something we probably would never contemplate doing on our own-but enjoyed every minute of the day. THANK-YOU!!! I know a lot of work went into organizing it, and please let everyone involved know we really appreciated all the effort.
Kind regards
Shannon, Allan, Ethan and Hayley Clough