Many businesses are recognising the value in getting staff out from behind their desks to do some exercise.
It’s good for both body and brain, increasing productivity, decreasing stress, promoting team building and motivating staff.
Throw in a swimming pool and the opportunity to raise money for medical research and it’s the ideal fitness regime.
According to Exercise and Sports Science Australia physical activity levels are recognised as a major risk factor for chronic disease and ill health in Australia and so a workplace should implement an activity program. Presenteeism is the loss of productivity that occurs when people come to work but are not functioning due to illnesses such as depression, allergies, or hypertension. And physical treatment is a proven treatment for improving productivity and wellbeing.
Organisations are encouraging staff to take part in The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research inaugural challenging fundraising event, the Perkins Plunge on November 9 and 10.
It is a 12-hour overnight relay swim at the HBF Stadium in Mount Claremont.
This event promises to make a splash in the fight against disease while enticing teams to push themselves through the night.
The Perkins Plunge powered by Mineral Resources (MinRes) invites swimmers of all levels to join forces in teams of eight or more, and dive into action for a worthy cause.
Swimmers will embark on a night of swimming laps in a relay format to support groundbreaking medical research initiatives into the hardest to treat cancers, heart disease, diabetes and rare genetic diseases.
Participants pushing themselves in the pool symbolises the collective effort needed to propel medical research forward and improve health outcomes for all West Australians.
“At the Perkins, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive positive change,” said Prof Peter Leedman AO, the Perkins Chief Executive Officer.
“Medical research is the only way we can turn the tide on the diseases that are robbing us of the people we love.
“The Perkins Plunge powered by MinRes is more than just a fundraising event. Like research, the Plunge will push you to the limits and beyond in the hope of funding life-saving discoveries that will change the course of cancer, heart disease, rare genetic diseases and more.
“It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and our researchers’ commitment to finding answers to the world’s toughest diseases.”
Individuals and teams can register now and kickstart their fundraising efforts. By setting personal and team fundraising goals, participants can make a tangible impact on the future health of their loved ones, while engaging their networks in support of a shared cause. With each stroke, swimmers will move closer to funding critical medical research projects that will give them and those they love the opportunity to live longer, healthier and better lives.
The more laps completed the more research funded!
The Perkins has dived in with title partner, Mineral Resources (MinRes) to “float” this event. Other sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and organisations looking to make a splash in the fight against disease.
Mineral Resources (MinRes) is a longtime supporter of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and since 2017, has contributed $2.5 million to cardiovascular research.
The company is the title sponsor of the Perkins Plunge powered by MinRes. Not only does the diversified resources company have teams of staff swimming in the new event, MinRes also have one of the largest teams in the Perkins’ annual charity bike ride, the MACA Cancer 200 Ride held in October.
MinRes is a founding member of the Perkins Alliance, which was established to reduce overheads associated with Perkins events by offering in-kind support, ensuring more funds can be directed to cancer research.
“At MinRes, we’re proud to support the vital work of the researchers at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
“We believe wholeheartedly in improving health outcomes for all Western Australians and partnering with organisations such as the Perkins helps makes this happen.
“Our people love a challenge, so we have teams taking part in the Perkins Plunge and a large group of cyclists in the MACA Cancer 200 Ride, who are not only improving their fitness and having fun but also raising money for much needed research,” said MinRes GM Health and Wellbeing Jon Haines
Medical research is not for the faint-hearted. Researchers are on call around the clock. You never know when that eureka moment might come. The Plunge represents one full night of being on the clock for research. It honours researchers’ commitment to discovering new ways to treat the diseases that rob us of our loved ones – no matter what.
The event kicks off at 6pm and finishes at 6am the next morning.
Teams and individuals register for the event in advance and raise funds.
The Perkins Plunge powered by MinRes promises to be an experience like no other, where teamwork and determination converge to create lasting change.
There will also be an hour of power where all laps swum will equate to dollars contributed by our major sponsor.
In addition to the exhilarating swim relay, participants can look forward to a night filled with entertainment, refreshments, and an inspiring, shared sense of achievement as they plunge through the darkness in support of medical research – with a hearty breakfast after the 12-hour marathon.
To learn more and sign-up for this exciting event, visit perkinsplunge.org.au.
