Get Active, Connect & Raise Awareness Of IBD
Registrations now open for the 2021 Live Fearless Challenge
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia’s (CCA) Live Fearless Challenge is on again this September. The month-long personal fitness challenge is the perfect opportunity to put daily healthy habits into practice, connect and get active with your friends, and improve your health and wellbeing while also helping to raise awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Now in its fourth year, the Live Fearless Challenge raises funds for programs, education and support for people who have Crohn’s disease (Crohn’s) and ulcerative colitis (colitis), the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease. The fundraising also supports research into the diseases. There is currently no cure for Crohn’s or colitis.
To undertake the Live Fearless Challenge, participants commit to doing 150kms of activity during September, which averages out to 5kms – or only 7,000 steps a day. But you don’t have to run or walk – you could also swim or cycle. Workouts like yoga, dancing, stretching and even mindfulness are all eligible, with the minutes spent doing these activities converted to kilometres.
Leanne Raven, Chief Executive of CCA, says staying active has both physical and mental health benefits, which is especially important during the pandemic.
“Regardless of your fitness level, it’s important to keep moving and do some activity each day. Through the Live Fearless Challenge, we encourage you to set yourself a personal fitness goal, and then commit to reaching it however suits you and your fitness level. You can take the Challenge by yourself or perhaps form a team and motivate each other through the month.
“Personally, I’ve found that knowing I have people sponsoring me is a great way to make sure that I actually reach my goal. But most importantly, our hope is that participants will see the benefits that a regular healthy exercise habit and attaining a goal have on their physical and mental wellbeing and will be motivated to keep it up even after the Challenge has finished,” Ms Raven said.
Josh Gardner, 2019 and 2020 Live Fearless Challenger, was extremely grateful for the opportunity to take part in the Live Fearless Challenge last September.
“Not only was I able to raise funds and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis Australia, but I was also able to get fit and active in the process, which was really good for my own health especially with the COVID-19 lockdown!!”
CCA says that with Crohn’s or colitis affecting 100,000 people in Australia, most people are likely to know of someone living with inflammatory bowel disease. As part of the Challenge, participants can dedicate their efforts towards someone they know that lives with IBD by registering any funds raised as a Tribute.
Drew Berwick dedicated his Live Fearless Challenge last year to his son.
“My son was diagnosed several years ago and I did this challenge specifically in his honour. He means the world to me and anything I can do to help raise funds to support CCA and to find a cure I will do.”
Stephanie took part in the 2020 on behalf of her partner.
“My partner has Crohn’s and so I often feel helpless against the silent disease. I wanted to raise money and awareness by reaching out to my friend and colleagues. This challenge was a great way to stay active for a fantastic cause and I hope I spread the word well.”
To register as an individual or as a team visit: www.livefearlesschallenge.com.au. Registration is FREE.
CCA acknowledges and thanks our generous sponsors, Abbvie, Sandoz, and Celltrion for supporting the Live Fearless Challenge 2021.
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For media enquiries Rachel Gemmell on 0428 998 279 or at [email protected].