TOM HAYES
By TOM HAYES
AROUND 40 people of all ages and abilities were treated by Reclink and Brooks Running, at the Run Happy Wellbeing workshop, which went ahead on the morning of Friday, June 23. Hosted by Reclink and Brooks Running, the workshop invited people to come and learn more about physical activity, and its wellbeing benefits. Reclink is an Australian initiative that provides evidence-based sport and recreation programs to disadvantaged Australians, creating inclusion in their lives. Reclink provides pathways to better health and wellbeing, education and employment outcomes for participants of all ages. There were smiles and excitement throughout the room as people received their new shoes and learnt about what they were capable of. In attendance were disability support groups, Wellways participants, former Reclink participants, multicultural groups and those from AAA Play. Access for All Abilities (AAA Play) provides Victorians with sports programs with people for disability, and makes sure that there is something available for everyone from a physical activity point of view. AAA Play runs in conjunction with Reclink Australia. The morning began with some morning tea and breakfast bites, which were a hit, before the Brooks Running guest speakers took to the stage. Up the front of the room was Anthea Merson and Shaun Johnson from Reclink, Brooks Running ambassador Louis Phillips, Brooks Running advocate Huw Knox, as well as Brooks Running’s social media coordinator Monique Bozinoski and their human resources manager Joanne Szczygielski. The broad panel discussed with the room as to what shoes can be suitable for what activity, how physical activity can improve overall wellbeing and the ins and outs of the shoe game. Brooks Running were trying to spread their motto of “Run Happy”, encouraging people of any ability to get outside and get active. Within some of the curious crowd questions included how shoes were made, how they cater for different terrain and for different types of feet, even how the colour of shoe is chosen was asked! During the workshop, all participants received a free pair of Brooks Running shoes, which could be used for whatever physical activity they prefer; some chose walking, while others said they might use their new shoes to hike in. Toward the end of the question and answer section, the Brooks Running team gave the participants in the crowd a task to write a physical activity goal for the day. Participants were allowed to draw, write or doodle whatever they pleased on the card, which was then displayed on the corkboard collaboratively. Following some socialising with other participants, and finishing off the breakfast left overs, participants tried on their new shoes and put them to the test. Everyone in the crowd, and even some carers were excited with their new kicks, as they left to go and enjoy the rest of the day in their new Brooks shoes.
