Sponsors announced for Portarlington Gift

A PAIR of prominent local sponsors are helping bring the inaugural Portarlington Gift to life, backing in the January event as excitement builds in the community.

Neville Richards Real Estate will sponsor the Men’s 120m Gift event, while Ebejer & Associates Lawyers will sponsor the Women’s 120m Gift event.

Both businesses are active in the Bellarine community and will work with organiser Peter Emerson to prepare for the new carnival.

Neville Richards director Luke Campbell is excited to be involved in the event.

“For us to be involved with an event like this that’s going to be the first of its kind down here is a real privilege,” he said.

“I just think it’s an innovative and interesting addition to the Bellarine sporting carnival.

“Peter has a history not only as a runner himself, but organising events like this. So we thought, why not couple with someone who has the right pedigree to deliver a quality event and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

Campbell said the carnival will have a positive impact on both businesses and residents.

“Naturally, it’s going to bring people to the area, which I think is a wonderful thing,” he said.

“Obviously the surrounding businesses and community will benefit from that. But also, it might inspire the younger generation to realise that there’s another avenue and sprinting could be something for them.

“I think any motivation to get people up and moving is always a good thing.”

He believes the event is one the whole Bellarine community will embrace.

“There’s nothing better than seeing this year’s Stawell Gift and some of the names that were running. It’d be wonderful thinking that in time, we could have that in Portarlington.

“It’s an exciting event. I like the concept and we’re happy to be behind it.”

Marlene Ebejer, owner of Ebejer & Associates Lawyers, is also enthusiastic.

“This is a great thing to bring to Portarlington and to show off our local community,” she said.

“I really want to be involved in it because I think it’s great and even more perfect that we are sponsoring the women’s event, because I run a law firm and we’re all women.

“It’s going to be a really great opportunity for the town and for everybody to get involved and have some great athletes coming to town.

“And [it is coming at the] perfect time of year, because Portarlington’s busy around the start of January. There’s going to be loads of people around so it’ll be a great atmosphere for everybody to get involved in.”

Ebejer noted the flow-on effect the carnival will have on the Portarlington community, and urged people to come along and enjoy the showcase.

“It’s going to bring a lot of people to town, so that’ll help a lot of the local businesses,” she said.

“Local people in town are going to get to see great athletes, so it’s another event to add to our calendar.

“We want to make it an annual event, so the more people that come out and support it, the more chance that we’ve got to keep running these things.”

The Portarlington Gift will make its debut on January 4.

For more information, head to val.org.au/portarlington