Marathon Man

Congratulations to SVC Staff Member (LSO & Aboriginal Cultural Educator), Jamie Graham-Blair, who completed the New York City Marathon on November 6, finishing in a time of 04:54:08. Such a tremendous achievement running his first marathon and only made possible via The Indigenous Marathon Foundation and the mentorship from Australian marathon and sporting icon, Robert de Castella.

The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) is a health promotion charity that uses running to celebrate Indigenous resilience and achievement and create inspirational Indigenous leaders. Earlier this year Jamie was selected in the squad for the 2022 Indigenous Marathon Project which uses running to change lives and provide a sense of empowerment, purpose and pride. Its participants train all over Australia gradually building up enough fitness and experience to compete in the New York Marathon in November. Jamie has already completed three milestone runs on his way to the NYC Marathon including the Mother’s Day classic 10km race on Ngunnawal/Ngambri Country in Canberra, a Half-Marathon on Kombumerri Yugambeh Country on the Gold Coast in July and the 30km selection race on Arrernte Country in Mparntwe/Alice Springs. Within this journey Jamie has also completed his recreation run coaching certificate, sports first aid, mental health first aid and is nearing the completion of a Cert IV in Indigenous Leadership and Health promotion with the rest of his squad. 

Congratulations again Jamie, the whole SVC community is extremely proud of you and your achievements....and the difference you continue to make to everyday within our College and your role as a young palawa mentor.

Pictured top: Jamie is pictured in the front row – second left.