Telethon 2025: Nine teams ready-to-row at Corporate Rowing Regatta
This week, Fat Cat took on the role of taskmaster to revamp the training of the Hancock rowing team ahead of the annual Corporate Rowing Race.
When they arrive on the Swan River on Saturday, they will have a powerful reminder on their sleeves of who they are rowing for.
Hancock Iron Ore Blue, Hancock Iron Ore Red, Hancock Prospecting and HanRoy will wear Telethon branded uniforms as they row the toughest rows to come first across the finish line.
Chances are looking good for the Hancock companies that have entered the most teams ever.
Hancock Iron Ore CEO Gerhard Veldsman said Hancock teams will embrace their competitive spirit for a great cause on Saturday.
“Our teams will wear rowing uniforms bearing Telethon branding to show our staff’s support for Telethon, a cause close to the hearts of Western Australians,” Mr Veldsman said.
This comes just a week before the Telethon, where West Australians will come together and dig deep to break last year’s incredible fundraising record of $83.3 million.
The annual regatta is expected to draw a huge crowd, especially with Telethon superstar Fat Cat promising to attend.
Two grand prizes will be up for grabs in the three-round competition at the Swan, with each of the nine teams expected to do their best.
WesTrac, Royal Flying Doctor Service WA, Big Yellow Mining, PCB Contractors and Camco Engineering are among the other competitors vying to lift the Corporate Trophy in victory.
The Hancock crew took their preparations seriously ahead of the event, hitting the water before dawn to train several times a week.
Now they’re ready to bring their best shovels to the table, showcasing their teamwork, determination and a little bit of friendly competition.
“And in the spirit of fun, we hope to get a win over our crosstown rivals this weekend,” Mr. Veldsman said.
This spirit of fun has already taken hold and is expected to continue with just eight days until the Telethon.
This year’s 26-hour fundraising bonanza features Ronan Keating, The Ten Tenors, Sunrise duo Nat Barr and Shirvo, and a jam-packed line-up of Channel 7 favorites ready to do their best to raise funds for vulnerable, sick children in WA.
But the weekend of fun, entertainment and laughter will extend beyond the RAC Arena when the Telethon Family Festival moves Wellington Street from the arena to Yagan Square on October 19.
The free, family-friendly event will have something for everyone, including carnival rides, popcorn, dental floss, face painting, glitter tattoos and a cute animal farm.
Hosted by Swan River Rowing Club, the winner of the Company Cup will be the overall regatta winner and the winner of the plate final will win the Challenge Plate.
Hancock’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gina Rinehart AO is the long-term patron of Rowing Australia.
