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Wheatbelt Strength in Narrogin hosts its annual Winter Games fundraising for new local TLC Kitty Rescue

Headshot of Hannah Whitehead
Hannah WhiteheadNarrogin Observer
Winter Games participants holding their certificates at Wheatbelt Strength in Narrogin.
Camera IconWinter Games participants holding their certificates at Wheatbelt Strength in Narrogin. Credit: Lili Palumbo

A new cat rescue organisation established by a Narrogin woman has been bolstered by a unique fundraiser held at Wheatbelt Strength gym earlier this month.

Held on August 16, the Winter Games attracted 17 participants from Perth and surrounding towns in its second year, competing in deadlift, 12-minute conditioning circuit, and weighted sled events to win prizes and raise money for TLC Kitty Rescue.

Raising $710 for the newly established rescue, gym owner Kate Carvey said she chose the charity because she loved cats and wanted to support and promote the new organisation, run by resident Cathie Bell.

“When I moved into Narrogin my cat from home had to live in the gym for six months, so we had a gym cat —she’s back at home now, but I’m known as ‘the gym with the cat’,” Ms Carvey said.

Most improved winner Emma Hayes pushes a 100kg sled at the Wheatbelt Strength Winter Games.
Camera IconMost improved winner Emma Hayes pushes a 100kg sled at the Wheatbelt Strength Winter Games. Credit: Lili Palumbo

“TLC Kitty Rescue are just getting up and running, so I thought it’s a good time.

“Every town has stray cat issues. It’s great that we have someone in town that is actually helping.

“She gets them sterilised and vaccinated, then people can adopt them.”

The fundraising event crowned Shannon Charles in the women’s overall category, with Jessica Carmichael achieving the heaviest women’s deadlift at 170kg.

Ben Charles won the men’s event overall and deadlift with 180kg.

Best overall male and heaviest deadlift male winner Ben Charles lifts 180kg.
Camera IconBest overall male and heaviest deadlift male winner Ben Charles lifts 180kg. Credit: Lili Palumbo

Renae, Lauren and Kirsten Tucci proved to be the strongest family, with Kirsten also winning the best conditioning prize.

Emma Hayes secured the title of most improved.

Participants received an event T-shirt, and winners accepted prizes donated by the eight local sponsors, with Ms Carvey also raffling personal training and class packages.

She said the event was really successful and she hoped to run it every winter.

“Aside from the donation, the main thing was the community spirit,” she said.

“We had people come down from Perth who grew up in Narrogin come back just to do this, we had family groups doing it together, local cops that train here.

“It’s a wide range of community members coming together for a really good cause.”

Women' overall category winner Shannon Charles lifts 110kg.
Camera IconWomen' overall category winner Shannon Charles lifts 110kg. Credit: Lili Palumbo

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