Homeless given start in human race
For running devotees, few activities are more rewarding than putting one foot in front of the other and doing it a little faster or for a little longer than last time.
For Keegan Crage, running is a metaphor for life: you get out what you put in. It can also be, he hopes, a conduit for change.
Next week, Mr Crage, alongside former West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold and Cricket Australia's one-time national selector John Inverarity as board members, will launch a running group for Perth's homeless community.
The premise behind On My Feet is simple and two-pronged.
On one level, participants can turn up to be part of a group and do something positive for their health and self-esteem.
That participation is linked to job and work experience opportunities with Coles and St John Ambulance for those who want them.
"Running has the ability to generate endorphins and give you a sense of self-worth, that's how the idea was born," Mr Crage said. "People who are homeless want to feel like we all want to feel - worthwhile.
"People can just turn up and run and feel part of a community and that's good. If they want to pursue work and education, those opportunities are there."
Runs will be held three times a week, with gear provided by New Balance.
Committed participants will have opportunities for work experience and ultimately a pathway to work, housing and getting out of his or her situation.
The Fremantle pilot program will have its first run on Monday.
