28/10/2022
Kia ora ploggers... sorry for the prolonged radio silence and lack of action!
Truth be told, after the various COVID-19 lock-downs ended last year, i found myself feeling rather down, demoralised (and depressed) by how quickly the clean streets around my local neighbourhood became, once again, covered in other people's rubbish once more. Was it the same where you live? (it brought a tear to my eye, and left me questioning why I bothered).
I created WOA to promote plogging in Aotearoa, but also as an outlet for likeminded people looking to do something that would help them feel more connected to their local community and give others a sense of social well-being. I also hoped that cleaning up streets would lead to cleaner streets (and cleaner beaches, rivers etc).
Looking back, WOA was my first walk along the path of using sport (recreational therapy) for social change and social capital (i.e. to make the world a better place).
Although I have neglected the WOA pathway over the past 12 months, and reluctantly killed off the website, I haven't been sitting on my arse doing nothing... far from it...
I have been busy walking another path, one which ticks many of the same boxes as WOA and, i am pleased to report, has put a smile back on my face and a spring back in my step.
This Sunday, October 30th, I will be running/walking (& plogging) the full 42km Auckland Marathon route for the very first time, promoting a newly established charitable trust that holds many of the same values as WoA. Let me introduce you to the Sporting Memories Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand...
My plan is to run for as long as my ageing legs and lungs will allow, and then - when i hit the dreaded wall - to whip out a small rubbish bag and to do a bit of plogging (on my way to the finish line...). Mybe play a bit of kerbside cricket (aka Plogga).
I aim to be the only entrant who finishes the race weighing more than when they started.
To find out more, and to support this madness, please visit the give-a-little page established.
Pounding pavements for the sport lovers living with dementia, depression and loneliness.
