BATON BEARERS
Meet five young Gold Coasters (clockwise from front) Sheridan Tullipan, Harry Hunter, Lilly Rotunno, Emily Ireland and Patrick Lehocky, on track for GC2018.
COME next April, Sheridan Tullipan, Harry Hunter, Lilly Rotunno, Patrick Lehocky and Emily Ireland will take part in a once-in-lifetime experience as the world’s focus turns to the Gold Coast.
Sheridan Tullipan, who has a black belt in taekwondo, is the daughter of Australia’s most injured survivor of the Bali bombings. Her father lost both his legs, but that hasn’t stopped the father-daughter duo from soldiering on and volunteering to assist the Coast’s disabled community.
St Francis Xavier student Harry
Hunter, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February, has shown enormous strength of character, going through painful treatments with a smile on his face and a sense of humour. Lilly Rotunno volunteers as a prep helper, working with students to adjust socially.
She has made the Queensland school team for basketball and achieved excellence in academics at Hillcrest College. Patrick Lehocky is a bona fide all-rounder – he has represented his school at district level in swimming, he plays violin, bass guitar and
piano, and is a member of the school instrumental band and strings ensemble.
Emily Ireland has achieved more in 17 years than many will achieve in a lifetime.
As the Palm Beach Currumbin High School captain and the recipient of the Young Woman of the Year award, she has won the Premier’s Anzac Prize and is a member of the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
Why do you think you were nominated to be a baton bearer at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games?
Harry: My school nominated me for doing a good job at beating cancer. I was diagnosed this year on February 7. I have acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Sheridan: My teacher nominated me because she heard about my dad and how I look after him. Also because I get good grades and I am a black belt in taekwondo.
Patrick: My school nominated me because I play the piano and bass guitar for all the ceremonies and special occasions. I also play tennis and I am an ice hockey fan.
Lilly: One of my teachers at Hillcrest Christian College nominated me. In everything I do I work hard and to my full potential. I’m grateful for
everything I get.
Emily: I am school captain and president of the Leo’s club at Palm Beach Currumbin, a Headspace youth adviser and I am a volunteer for the Games.
What does it mean to you to have been chosen?
Harry: It means a lot. My family and friends have been my biggest supporters.
Sheridan: It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a baton bearer. I thrilled my Dad (Ben Tullipan – a Bali bombings survivor). He is very proud of me and I am very honoured to be a baton bearer.
Patrick: I am really excited. When I found out I got nominated I was at the WSL surf competition and my principal called and told me – it was the biggest surprise ever.
Lilly: It was really surprising. I am grateful for the opportunity to do something so big. It will be a once-in-alifetime opportunity, I will be nervous but very excited.
Emily: I am really excited. It is a fantastic opportunity to represent the Gold Coast on an
international level. I love everything about the Gold Coast and I love everything about the Games.
Have you decided how you will tackle your leg of the relay?
Harry: I will probably jog and then start running.
Sheridan: I am going to try to run. I hope I don’t drop it.
Patrick: Either a jog or a walk, I am going to take my time. Emily: I just hope I don’t fall
or drop it