By Jena Carr
A Geelong sporting club will row throughout the night during a 24-hour challenge to help raise awareness for mental health.
Barwon Rowing Club’s members will take it in turns to row for a full day as part of Gotcha4Life’s 24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness nationwide initiative this weekend.
Team captain Paul Grisenti said he was looking forward to getting involved in the challenge and seeing people he normally wouldn’t see during his usual training times.
“It’s important to get people to actually think and talk about mental health as…it’s an important issue in society these days, more so than it ever has been,” he said.
“If you had a bad day, there’s nothing better than coming down and going for a row, so no matter how bad a day you’ve had, doing something like that does make you feel better.”
The challenge will take place from noon on Saturday 12 September to noon on Sunday 13 September to raise money and awareness for mental fitness.
Gotcha4Life founder Gus Worland said the challenge was a great chance for people to connect with their communities while supporting positive mental health.
“The 24-Hour Row proves you don’t have to be an elite athlete to make a difference; you just need a group of people willing to show up for one another,” he said.
Barwon Rowing Club has raised $250 as of 12.30pm on 9 September ahead of the challenge, and people can visit 24hourrow.com.au/t/barwon-rowing-club to donate.
