Sparke Helmore / NBN Triathlon
Since 1994, the Sparke Helmore NBN Triathlon, held in March each year, has been an important way for the firm to contribute to the community.
Each year, the Triathlon successfully engages, motivates and inspires Sparke Helmore's clients, its people and the broader community, in a fun health and fitness day.
The Triathlon is also a major way for Sparke Helmore to continue its long tradition of community engagement through raising awareness and funds for the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).
The event
The Triathlon, held in Newcastle, the city where Sparke Helmore was founded in 1882, has become one of the Hunter Region's largest and most successful corporate triathlon events.
With the Triathlon having three race starts and 46 categories, the event offers a challenge to the seasoned triathlete, to corporate teams, as well as the enthusiastic novus. About 1,200 people and 300 corporate teams are competitors in the Triathlon each year and they are encouraged by more than 3,000 spectators.
The course is designed to showcase the best aspects of the Newcastle Foreshore and marquees are positioned to embrace the excitement of the race and all that the event has to offer. BBQs, food stalls and refreshments, family entertainment, and fun activities for the children characterise this successful annual event.
Our people
Sparke Helmore's people are thoroughly involved in the planning for the Triathlon, which commences as much as six months before the event. More than 100 Partners and Staff from throughout Australia participate as competitors or volunteers with the firm's active support. Many Sparke Helmore people have competed with distinction, and the event raises some healthy rivalry between teams from Sparke Helmore's offices throughout Australia.
Our clients and community
A good number of Sparke Helmore's clients participate in the Triathlon and the event has become an annual team-building exercise and social occasion for many participating companies.
In addition to Sparke Helmore's contribution, the Triathlon receives support from Newcastle and Hunter Region businesses. Sparke Helmore thanks NBN Television, the co-sponsor of the Triathlon, and other organisations who contribute to the success of the event through 'leg sponsorship', logistical support and in-kind assistance.
Our responsibility
The Triathlon has become an effective way for Sparke Helmore to encourage companies and individuals to support the ground-breaking health and medical research of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). Since commencement in 1994, the Triathlon has raised more than $230,000 for HMRI, Hunter Life Education and other local organisations.
Through SHARE, the firm's community assistance scheme, Sparke Helmore makes a significant annual donation to HMRI from the proceeds of the Triathlon and this contribution empowers HMRI to recognise outstanding researchers through the "Sparke Helmore HMRI Award for Excellence".
The award reinforces Sparke Helmore's long-standing association with HMRI. Sparke Helmore Partner, Richard Anicich, has been a member of the HMRI Foundation for several years and Newcastle Staff of Sparke Helmore regularly contribute to the activities of "Pulse", a group of young people committed to raising funds for HMRI's early career medical researchers.
Sparke Helmore HMRI Award for Excellence
Last year's recipient of the award was internationally renowned breast cancer researcher Professor John Forbes from The University of Newcastle. Professor Forbes leads a number of national and international clinical trials in breast cancer and, over the last 20 years, his research has improved the treatment and survival outcomes of women with the disease.
More information
For further information about the Sparke Helmore NBN Television Triathlon see the Triathlon website.
