Ariela might find running and sports a challenge but she has a team of friends to help her.
St George Preca Primary School teachers and students are running the Melbourne Marathon in support of their classmate.
The school formed a running club earlier this year in preparation for the October 15 event to show support for nine-year-old Ariela who has mild hemiplegia cerebral palsy.
This year’s marathon will be the biggest fundraiser for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre – a charity that supports children up to 18 years of age who have the condition.
Ariela attended the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre before she started at St George Preca and therapists visit her regularly to help her teachers.
Teacher Davis Long said the school’s running club has bought in a personal trainer once a fortnight to prepare for the event.
“We decided to do the Melbourne Marathon after an awareness day that we ran last year,” Mr Long said.
“Having Ariela at our school makes it even more special because the kids are supporting one of their own schoolmates.”
Mr Long said the team has raised $350 of its $500 goal.
Ariela’s mum Melissa Riepsamen said she was proud that Ariela’s schoolmates were supporting her.
“It’s fantastic that the kids are getting behind the cause,” Ms Riepsamen said.
“Even though Ariela finds running and any sort of sport challenging, it never stops her.”
Ms Riepsamen and Ariela’s two sisters and her best friend Naomi will all be walking the marathon by her side.
Information: www.cpec.org.au
