Penrith athlete Nathan Pentecost is taking on the enormous challenge of pushing his wheelchair for 100km around the Sydney International Regatta Centre this Friday and Saturday – all for a good cause.
Pentecost, the captain of the Panthers Wheelchair Rugby League team, is raising money for the purchase of five wheelchairs to be used by participants in the sport.
He will complete the 100km challenge at the Regatta Centre on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30, with a host of western Sydney business representatives also taking part in the push-a-thon.
“I am inspired by the work of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia and I want to support them by raising as much money as I can,” Pentecost said.
“The Men of League Penrith committee is also involved in this project and I want to raise awareness for that organisation too – Men of League do a tremendous job in the local community.”
Pentecost is hoping to raise $20,000 at the event.
The inspiring athlete said it’s about giving others the opportunity to participate in sport.
“The push isn’t about me, it’s about people in western Sydney being able to have the opportunity to play wheelchair rugby league and for me to also be able to raise awareness about Men of League,” Pentecost said.
Penrith Men of League President, Alex McKenzie, said Pentecost’s efforts will be amazing to watch.
“We are proud to watch Nathan take on this enormous challenge – he is a passionate athlete who is desperate to encourage others to make the most of their abilities and take part in sport,” he said.
Among those assisting Nathan by completing laps of the Regatta Centre on the day include former Panthers player and Property Central real estate agent Brad Drew, Western Weekender Editor Troy Dodds and Michael Todd from the Western Sydney Business Centre.
Pentecost is asking the local community and businesses for support.
To make a donation to Nathan Pentecost’s Push-a-thon, visit give.everydayhero.com/au/Pentecost-s-men-of-league-pushathon.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.