“The Foundation is very excited to have such inspirational New Zealanders pledge their support to help us promote mental health,” Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation says. “Their participation in this event supports our vision of creating communities where all people flourish”.

The ambassadors are:
Dame Susan Devoy - DNZM, CBE - Four-time World champion squash player
Aaron Gilmore - Celebrity dance instructor and 2006 Dancing with the Stars winner.
Andrea Fountain - Ten-time National Wakeboarding Champion and 2005 World Champion.
Nicola Kawana - Actress and former Shortland Street star.
Angelo Munro - Former Bleeders front man and now singer of Auckland hardcore band Leeches.
Aidee Walker - Outrageous Fortune’s Draska Doslic.

Each of the Ambassadors has chosen to support the Foundation by either running a leg of the relay and/or by promoting a lifestyle that encourages activities that support your mental health and wellbeing.

“With the support of our ambassadors we know that the Great Lake Relay will not only be financially beneficial to the Foundation but will also be another way for us to promote the connection between a healthy mind and a healthy body” explains Ms Clements.

When asked about her motivation for supporting the Mental Health Foundation and the Great Lake Relay, Aidee Walker explains, “I actually enjoy running and think mental health is something easily pushed under the carpet and yet it is something we need to be aware of and try and learn more about.”

“Mental Illness affects so many people and is still something that is not talked about openly. I like the strong correlation between physical activity and mental health and the importance exercise plays in the treatment of people with mental illness,” adds Dame Susan Devoy.

The Great Lake Relay takes place around Lake Taupo on 19 February, 2011. Participants cover the 155km course in teams consisting of 10 to 18 members, either running or walking the entire distance around Lake Taupo. There is also a shorter Length of the Lake relay catering for teams of five to eight members and totalling 67km.

Anyone can participate in the Great Lake Relay, you don’t have to o be an endurance athlete. If you can walk 5kms, you can do the event. Go to www.relay.co.nz to find out more.

ENDS

© Scoop Media