Students ride towards ‘Tour De Mandalay’

December 2009

Students from Beveridge Primary School put the pedal to the metal for a cause last week, participating in the first ‘Tour De Mandalay’ ride-a-thon aiming to raise funds for their school.

Sponsored by ‘Mandalay at Beveridge’, participating students enjoyed a barbeque and icy poles supplied by the master-planned community, before embarking on the two-hour continuous circuit around Lithgow Street and through parts of the developing Mandalay community.

The inaugural Tour De Mandalay raised approximately $1250 for the school which Principal, Steven Fernando said will be put towards funding new play equipment in the 2010 school year.

The sponsorship is part of an ongoing partnership between Beveridge Primary School and Mandalay who believe in supporting and helping to grow the local community as it develops.

Mandalay previously initiated a sculpture art program with the school aiming to inspire students to look to the environment around them for inspiration, enlisting the help of celebrated artist, James Parrett, as part of the education program.

As well as forming an ongoing relationship with the primary school, Mandalay has also committed to funding local sport and community groups such as the Beveridge and District Pony Club and the Mitchell Shire Rangers Soccer Club in order to support the bourgeoning region.

Beveridge Primary School Principal, Steven Fernando, said the fun-ride was a fantastic way to integrate student education with the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting active.

“ The idea of running a ride-a-thon fundraiser was inspired by our students’ desire to ride their bikes to school, coupled with the need to implement health education into our school curriculum.

Mr Fernando said that Mandalay’s continued support has been welcomed by the school community, especially the students who have benefited from a string of new and exciting education programs throughout the school year.

“ Beveridge Primary School is delighted by Mandalay’s ongoing support and we look forward to a continued partnership for the future,” Mr Fernando said.

Mandalay Sales and Marketing manager, Crystall Mousios, said it was important to develop not only the estate, but the surrounding community so they can interact and complement each other.

“ When building communities such as Mandalay, it is vital to recognise the needs of the surrounding community and support it in proactive and positive way.

“ Funding Beveridge’s sporting teams and primary school is just one of the ways Mandalay is looking towards a cohesive future with the community.

“ Much more than just infrastructure and new facilities, residents at Mandalay will enjoy the strong network of social amenity such as the array of local clubs and teams operating in the area, which we hope to see continue to thrive from our support,” Ms Mousios said.