The Hunter Boyle Children’s Swim Program is the charity partner of this month’s festival, with entrants encouraged to make a donation to the Shepparton-based program.
The program was started by Ash Napolitano and Matt Boyle in memory of their two-year-old son Hunter Boyle who drowned in a dam on his grandfather’s farm.
The couple has partnered with Kidsafe Victoria for a program to help Shepparton youngsters who would not normally have the means to access swimming lessons.
Fourteen children have been referred to the program which provides free swimming lessons for 12 months, water safety education and swimming accessories for them and their parents.
Shepparton Running Club president Mathieu Ryan said the program provided an idea fit for the festival.
“The Shepparton Running Festival has always supported the Greater Shepparton community by aligning with local charities,” he said.
“This year we are proud to help support the Hunter Boyle Children’s Swim Program and support the Hunter Boyle family.
“We have always found that locals support locals, and this cause is very close to home.”
Kidsafe Victoria president Erica Edmands highlighted the dangers that water could pose for children and the impact that support from events, such as the Shepparton Running Festival, could have in preventing drowning incidents.
“Twenty seconds and a few centimetres of water is all it takes for a toddler to drown,” she said.
“This means that dams, rivers, water tanks, animal drinking troughs, fishponds, and even pet’s water bowls can all pose a potential drowning hazard.”
This year’s Shepparton Running Festival will be held on August 21 and 22.
Categories include a marathon, team marathon, half marathon, 10 km walk/run, 7 km trail run and 2 km kids’ dash.
The kids’ dash will see youngsters dress up in superhero outfits as they take part in the event.
To enter the festival, visit www.sheppartonrunningfestival.com.au
On registration, entrants will be prompted to make a donation to the Hunter Boyle Children’s Swim Program.
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