Residents of Forresters Beach are paying tribute to World War II heroes by taking part in The Kokoda Track 10,000 Steps Challenge this month.
Run by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the event is a virtual walking challenge in which participants aim to walk 10,000 steps per day while mapping their progress against significant battlegrounds on the Kokoda Track.
Retired RAAF engineering officer Doug Roser is captain of the Forries Fabulous Five – a team of walkers including two other veterans: Max Carter and Geoff Nichols.
“Those remaining World War II veterans are in their early 90s and we won’t have many of them around for much longer,” Doug said.
“We are very supportive of anything commemorating or remembering World War II.”
Forresters Beach Assistant Village Manager Julie Ramage said the team was looking forward to taking part in the challenge.
“It’s a great way for residents to work together to keep fit, while recognising those who have served,” she said.
The 10,000 Steps Challenge runs from 21st October to 17th November, beginning during Veterans’ Health Week.
Veterans’ Health Week is an opportunity for veterans, current service personnel and their families to focus on improving their physical and mental wellbeing.
“The whole idea is to get veterans to exercise to help avoid some of the long-term ailments older people get,” Doug said.
“We’re all pretty competitive and we’ll probably aim for more than 10,000.
“As we age, those of us who are able should get off our butts and make sure we exercise!”
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