Scooter Challenge opens up conversation about men’s health

Kavinda Herath/STUFF: Stirling Point in Bluff to Queenstown, Scooter journey of 220 kilometers to raise funds for the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation

Men do not always talk about their health or go to the doctors, so wanting to end the stigma, a fundraising event hopes to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

The Southern Scooter Challenge 2017 started 10 years ago to open up a conversation about mens health and is still going strong.

The event, which runs every second year, has again attracted about 120 riders in the southern most leg on Saturday.

People of all ages and genders hopped on scooters to take part in the Southern Scooter Challenge 2017, organised by PlaceMakers, which started at Bluff and passed through Invercargill on its way to Queenstown.

PlaceMakers Southland joint venture branch operator Ron Jeffcoat said the Scooter Challenge was an endurance ride, from the sea to mountains in New Zealand’s heartland.

Riders challenged themselves through windswept conditions, 220 kilometres from Stirling Point in Bluff to the Wakatipu Rugby Club in Queenstown.

The challenge was about raising awareness and fundraising for New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation, to help survivors and families of those with prostate cancer, and those committed to making a difference.

Jeffcoat said he was “really impressed” with how it went in his first year taking part.

Although there were some scooter breakdowns, everyone pulled together to finish the challenge, he said.

“It’s about endurance. It’s not a race, it’s about fun.

“It’s very challenging; physically, mentally and everything else.”

More than 600 New Zealand men die from prostate cancer every year even though it is one of the most easily diagnosed and treatable cancers.

As a “tradie” business, it was important for PlaceMakers to get behind the cause, Jeffcoat said.

“Men aren’t very good at talking and going to the doctors.”

The organisation chose Blue September as their chosen charity to raise awareness on the issue, he said.

This year was the fifth time running the event. The next ride will be in 2019.

The money raised for the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation was yet to be finalised, Jeffcoat said.

 – Stuff