Zumba teamwork to earn big prizes

The challenge has gone out to businesses, schools and sporting groups throughout the Cairns region to be a part of this month’s Zumba world record attempt and be in the running for some great prizes.

Leading the way for the business community is ANZ, which has pledged a team of 50 participants for the February 21 event.

ANZ Grafton Street Branch Manager Toni Hodgman said staff members were excited to be a part of history in the making.

“The idea came up at a staff meeting – a few of our staff do Zumba regularly and we thought it would be fun to get involved in the world record attempt,” Ms Hodgman said.

“We’ve got a few branches joining in and everyone’s keen. We’re trying to get them to come down to the Esplanade on Friday for a practise because a lot of them haven’t done Zumba before.”

Instructor Brooke Marshall said businesses were welcome to take the opportunity to be seen participating in a community event.

“We don’t mind if you wear your business logo,” Ms Marshall said. “We will even be offering free expo marquees to businesses that can get 25 people or more to come along.”

Mayor Val Schier the event could be a joint activity for various organisations. 

 “We also want to see schools and sporting groups represented – there will be prizes for the largest groups,” Cr Schier said.

“Many sporting clubs are in their sign-on stage and this could be a great opportunity to get everyone together for a common cause in the lead-up to the season.”

Cr Schier said the support the event was already receiving was encouraging.

“It’s great to see so many individuals and businesses already on board to be a part of this record attempt,” Cr Schier said.

“This is exactly the image we want for Cairns – a fit and healthy community getting together for an outdoor event in our amazing tropical environment and generating such enthusiasm. “

Prizes include a flight with GBR helicopters, advertising packages with Zinc FM and O2 Magazine, trips with Cairns Sunset Cruise, Crocodile Explorer and Big Cat, Civic Theatre tickets and vouchers from Grill’d, Body Matrix and Rattle ‘n’ Hum.

The Zumba world record attempt will be held in Fogarty Park, on the Cairns Esplanade, on February 21. Entertainment will start at 3pm, with all participants required to be inside the enclosed venue by 5.30pm.

To qualify the record, all participants need to join in a 30-minute beginner-level class.

For more information, visit www.cairnsespalande.com.au or www.facebook.com/#!/ActiveLivingCairns. To register your interest in a business expo space, phone 4044 3715.