Pakenham Riding for the Disabled Association played host to a veritable who’s who of the riding world on Sunday 20 October, including two Paris equestrian Paralympians.
However, one of the most exciting appearances was from the 2024 Melbourne Cup, which made a stop at the Bald Hill Road site along its 2024 tour across 39 locations throughout six countries.
Victoria Racing Club ambassador and Paralympian Emma Booth joined Paris Paralympians Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy to celebrate the arrival of the prized trophy.
Other dignitaries included incumbent Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik and La Trobe MP Jason Wood, who announced a Liberal Government would invest $500,000 to
to upgrade the facilities at the Riding for the Disabled Pakenham Arena.
“This crucial funding will go towards the construction of a new arena and the roofing of existing outdoor arenas, ensuring a safer and more functional environment for all participants,” he said.
Volunteer Ken Ellison said the funding announcement was welcome news for the organisation and its participants.
“RDA Pakenham has identified this project as its highest priority,” he said.
“Participants frequently miss their lessons due to weather issues and a roof over the existing arena would go a long way to improving the important routines of the RDA riders.”
BFIRM Personal Training’s Micky Harold and Jarrod Matthews also attended to present a cheque for $41,372 raised during its third annual charity golf day, held on Friday 4 October, raising its grand total of donations to RDA Pakenham over the past three years to $103,000.
Mr Ellison said the day was a chance to celebrate the success of the group and look forward to its future.
“Interspersed with the highlights were displays and interviews from RDA participants portraying the skills they have learned under RDA coaching and explaining the importance of RDA to their wellbeing and progress towards their goals,” he said.
“The Rotary Club of Pakenham provided a BBQ and refreshments as part of their ongoing support of RDA Pakenham.”
