Gift Reaches New Heights in 2019

The 2019 Somerset Gift scaled to new heights both figuratively and literally this year with the event receiving its largest amount of both community and participation support. Combined with the addition of a new pole vault competition, the stage was set for an entertaining programme.

While a torrential and much needed downpour the morning of the event looked certain to wipe away any glimmer of hope, it couldn’t dampen the spirits of some of the region’s finest athletes who arrived determined for a slice of the $23,000 being given away in prize money.

The rain stopped and the clouds parted just in time for the official welcome. You could tell the competition was going to be fierce, and when you have one of Australia’s finest athletes Sally Pearson watching from the grandstand, you know you’re in store for a special afternoon.

The Gift in the past has presented us with many memorable highlights and this year was no different: 

• Michael Fenson took out the Michael Brohier Cup. He finished strongly with Peter Gallagher and Katie Hodge taking second and third. Many thanks also to Bronwyn Lee and Jayde Martin for showing their school spirit and taking part.
• The inaugural Pole Vault competition was an astounding success with Cameron Macdonald and Jade Arbuthnot taking the respective honours. Former Olympic Medallist Tatiana Grigorieva was on hand to present the medals and students Kade Reynoldson, Matthew and Stephanie Sprague should be commended for taking part. Special thank you to coach Howard Arbuthnot for organising the competition.
• Our students competed well throughout the day with Britney Ingr, Prosper Nwoko, Felix Jackson-King, Savannah Walker, Liam Thornton, Louis Ladbrook, Kye Reynoldson, Jake Iles, Darcy and Alex Halloran, and Jake Giltrap-Good all making the podium. Ingr finished third in the 100m Open Female Final while Sam Reeve Finished 4th in the 100m Open Final. All should be commended for their efforts as many were competing against more experienced athletes.
• Alumni Ryan Neale had an impressive return to the College, finishing 2nd in 100pm Open Final.
• Bree Masters and Connor Loughnan won the 100m Female and Open races respectively. Both winners received a check of $5,000 for their efforts.

Once again we were assisted on the day by our friends at Mudgeeraba Special School and special mention must go to student Elijah Palmer not only for his service but also for competing in the Open Mile and 100m races – in his wheelchair. It was a fantastic effort that epitomizes what the Gift is all about. The motto of the Gift is College, Community, Competition, and it was great to see these traits on display.

A full list of results can be found here.

The generous support of our sponsors enables us to produce such a wonderful event so many thanks to:

• The Somerset Alumni Association
• Councillor Glenn Tozer – City of Gold Coast
• Heidi and Mark Sowerby
• Somerset P&F Association
• Catchcam Electronic Security – Nigel Aiken
• AON Insurance
• National Australia Bank
• Arakan Martial Arts
• Ignition Athletics Club
• Solid Ground Landscaping
• BLK
• Essential Coffee/I luv Slush
• Travelsim
• ABC Building Products
• Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast