IMAGINE hanging on to monkey bars while someone is squirting you with a hose and a hairdryer for five hours – that is how Mount Gambier resident Sue Watt has described the sixth annual Ski for Life event.
Raising money and awareness for mental health among men, the passionate mother joined 200 people in the relay skiing from Murray Bridge to Renmark over the weekend.
A passionate supporter of the event – which has grown from three boats and 22 participants to 20 teams with 200 people – Ms Watt was proud to continue her involvement with friends and family by her side.
However, this time Ms Watt spent much of the event motivating 11-year-old daughter Mia and her 14-year-old friends Sophie and Alice Alexander.
The youngest ever participant to undertake the complete 456km course, Mia demonstrated her physical and mental strength.
“The most challenging thing was hanging on, your arms get so tired and you get blisters all over your hands,” Mia said.
“But the encouragement from all of the other participants pushed me along and motivated me to keep going.
“I really wanted to claim that title of youngest person to do the whole event.”
Sophie and Alice, who also completed the entire course for the first time, said even with extensive skiing experience it was a challenge.
“It was a lot of fun, but I did get really tired,” Alice said.
“It was so hard to keep holding on and you could not move your hands around a lot otherwise you would fall off.
“However, I am thinking I might try it again if I feel up to it.”
Bursting with pride, Ms Watt said she was inspired by the three girls and the many other young people who took up the challenge.
“I think anyone who does it is amazing, I cannot even fathom that I had a 17km stint,” she said.
“All of the other skiers were incredibly proud of the girls too.”
The group was also this year joined by 2018 event ambassador Ben Pettingill, who at the age of 16 woke to have lost 98pc of his vision.
An inspiration to many, Ben has lived life to the fullest and with more determination than ever, completing multiple Spartan obstacle course races, water skiing in the Southern 80 and walking the Kokoda Track.
“It was amazing to have Ben there, it gave us a different element to the event and a positive message to share with communities that it does not matter how big or small your barrier is, you can get over it,” Ms Watt said.
Thankful for the continued support of the community, Ms Watt said she hoped the event would continue for many more years.
“It seems to be gaining momentum as time goes on, so I am sure will continue to raise money and awareness for men’s mental health,” she said.
