Burringurrah Aboriginal Community police and school Run4Blue as over 25 children focus on fitness and health

Police and children in a small Gascoyne Aboriginal community participated in the annual Run4Blue race this month, as more than 25 children raced to support the families of fallen police officers. Burringurrah Aboriginal Community, located 40km south of Mount Augustus and 470km east of Carnarvon, were involved in the virtual Run4Blue race for the first time this year, helping raise money for Police Legacy, a charitable organisation helping more than 400 widows and children. Every weekday in May, Burringurrah police OIC Sen. Sgt Colin Sibson, Sgt Alex Ball and students from Burringurrah Remote Community School will take a morning run and track their progress with a virtual map. The remote community is currently populated with about 80 people, 50 per cent of those being children. Homes are mainly occupied by families or single mothers or grandparents, according to local police. Sen. Sgt Sibson said about 20-30 children attend the school on a day-to-day basis and it was the hub of the community. “My initial optimistic goal was to reach the Thomas River (15km away) from the community, but by the end of week one, we had to reassess that goal and extend it to the full distance to Mount Augustus (42km),” he said. Sen. Sgt Sibson said at first, there were reluctant and sluggish runners, but the children had improved their stamina and were learning the importance of getting enough sleep, their nutrition, drinking enough water and stretching before exercise. “Most children had only two speeds — flat out or walk . . . they are learning to slow down and hold their pace for longer,” he said. “There has been an emphasis on the importance of fun and good sportsmanship and each child has been able to see the improvement in their own fitness and wellbeing and all are getting involved.” The run continues until the end of the month.