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LEXMARK INDY 300 SUPPORTS SURF LIFE SAVING
LEXMARK INDY 300 SUPPORTS SURF LIFE SAVING
Speed and skill on the track met speed and skill in the air today to mark 100 days to go until this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 on the Gold Coast.
V8 Supercar driver David Besnard and Bartercard Miss Indy representative Lisa Kilkeary arrived at Pit Lane today on board Surf Life Saving’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
Surf Life Saving Queensland has been announced as one of Lexmark Indy 300’s Official Charities for the sixth consecutive year.
Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO Brett Williamson OAM said more than $180,000 has been raised for Surf Life Saving services in Queensland through its partnership with Lexmark Indy 300.
"This figure highlights the success of Surf Life Saving’s working partnership with the Lexmark Indy 300," said Williamson.
"It also demonstrates the investment Lexmark Indy 300 has made back into the community not only on a state level but also on a local level with several Gold Coast Surf Life Saving Clubs benefiting from the relationship."
Lexmark Indy 300 General Manager James O’Brien said Surf Life Saving Queensland was an ideal charity partner for Queensland’s premier Event.
"The beach and surf is an integral component of the Lexmark Indy 300 and its promotion worldwide, and we have a responsibility to the community to promote surf safety to visitors to the Event," said O’Brien.
"Surf Life Saving is a volunteer based organisation, and our Event relies on the tremendous service of more than 1500 volunteers as well.
"We are supportive of the service by Surf Life Saving on water safety and preventing deaths and injuries on Queensland beaches."
Surf Life Saving was established in 1909 in Australia. Today there are more than 300 Surf Life Saving Clubs across Australia, 59 of which are in Queensland. Surf lifesavers patrol more than 80 beaches in Queensland.
Fundraising from the Lexmark Indy 300 is directed into five keys areas for Surf Life Saving Queensland:
1. Maintain and purchase rescue and safety equipment;
2. Deliver educational programs to more than 36,000 people statewide each year;
3. Train and develop youth and future leaders;
4. Financially assist needy Clubs;
5. Conduct research and development projects
V8 Supercar driver David Besnard from WPS Racing said he was delighted to experience one of Surf Life Saving’s integral safety and emergency services, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
"While every fraction of a second is crucial for us on the track, it pales into insignificance compared to the time needed to respond to surf emergencies when lives are at stake," said Besnard.
"The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter is a tremendous resource for Surf Life Saving and any small part we can play in helping them to financially deliver this and other lifesaving services is worthwhile."
Surf Life Saving will have an active fundraising presence at the 2005 Lexmark Indy 300, with the distinguishable red and yellow colours set to feature prominently off track from October 20 to 23.
The Lexmark Indy 300 will be highlighted by the Champ Car World Series and Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge among an extensive support motor racing program and more than 50 Official Off Track Events.
FIVE VITAL STATISTICS
Surf Life Saving Queensland:
Each summer season, more than 3,000 people are rescued from life threatening situations by surf lifesavers
Each summer season, more than 10,000 people receive first aid treatments
Each summer season, more than 8,000 people are treated for marine stings
Each summer season, more than 230,000 people benefit from preventative actions which otherwise could have placed them in jeopardy
More than 94,000 lives have been saved by Queensland surf lifesavers since 1930
Lexmark Indy 300:
· A record of more than 309,000 people attended the 2004 Lexmark Indy 300 over the four days.
· More than 1,500 people volunteer in various roles at the Lexmark Indy 300 each year
· More than 6,000 corporate guests attend each day of the Lexmark Indy 300 each year
· An equivalent of more than 500 jobs are created by the Lexmark Indy 300 each year
· The 2004 television coverage of the Lexmark Indy 300 was watched by more than one million people throughout Australia
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