4 October 2008
Air Force Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Barbara Finlayson has won the spirit of the race in the Accor $10 Queenstown Challenge held over the last three days.
FLTLT Finlayson, who is based at Woodbourne, was part of three New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) teams entered in the race, which is a major fundraiser for Cure Kids.
The NZDF teams were Navy: Sub-Lieutenant Fraser Toulmin and Sub-Lieutenant Darcy Topp, Army: Second Lieutenants (2LT) Nick Fuller and Ruth Tautari, Air Force: Flight Lieutenant Barbara Finlayson and Pilot Officer Sean McKeogh.
Cure Kids Funding Manager Angela Bishop said that Barbara showed true Cure Kids spirit and gave "above and beyond" throughout the race.
As well as finding their own transport during the challenge the 28 teams taking part also had to complete a number of physical, mental and creative activities.
The first challenge at the start line in Auckland was a ‘pimp my ride’ which was won by the Air Force team with their model helicopter on the back of a truck.
In the overall points tally the Navy Brass Monkey team came third with 558 points, the Army Red Team 12th with 495 points and the Air Force 15th with 474 points.
FLTLT Finlayson said, “We had a fantastic time and enjoyed the challenge of the race. The most humbling part was hearing the Cure Kids ambassadors talk about their conditions and the best part was telling people who picked us up about Cure Kids and why we were doing the race. In the Defence Force we value comradeship and commitment and the challenge offered that as well as the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Cure Kids; such a worthwhile cause.”
Prior to the event all teams participating in the Accor Queenstown $10 Challenge had to raise $7,000 for Cure Kids.
In total the Defence Force teams raised over $32,000 for the cause.
Photo caption: Flight Lieutenant Barbara Finlayson with her $10. Click on picture for larger image. (OH08-0697-10).
ENDS
The New Zealand Defence Force comprises approximately 9,278 Regular Force, 2,197 Territorial Force, and 2,414 civilian staff members across the armed services of Navy, Army and Air Force, operating as Three Services - One Force.
For further information or photographs please contact Ally Clelland, Defence Public Relations phone 04 496 0273 or 021 569 130