Lars Olsen first came to my attention about eight years ago through his humanitarian work as the Founder of the Forget Me Not children’s charity. I was blown away with this blond, blue eyed youth who was very passionate about making a difference to some of Nepal’s most vulnerable and at risk girls. Over the years he has received many medals and awards for his work – from the Pride of Australia Medal In 2006 to the Suncorp Young Queenslander of the year in 2007, to being the winning recipient of the Queensland Young Australian of the year in 2008. Along the way there have been other awards, medals and accolades of which Lars said, “ It was a big thing in terms of creating exposure for Forget Me Not. It was never about me individually it was always more about what we could achieve through the organisation.”
Lars stepped down from Forget Me Not In 2013, but still visits and supports the girls that he has grown to know so well in Nepal, and with the assistance of Rotary, an organisation that Lars is still part of, has taken approximately four teams of volunteers to Nepal and assisted with everything from drainage to rock walls and building works. Lars said, “ I found that for me the ethos of Rotary fitted in very well with who I am and the way that I like to live.
“ I would like to hope that as the years progress I will stay with Rotary regardless of where I am, Just purely because of what the organisation believe in and what they do for the community.”
In 2012 Lars founded B Mee Multisport. Lars inspires many triathletes, runners, cyclists and swimmers of all ages to push themselves and to reach their own goals by offering support and training. Of his own fitness Lars said, “ I enjoy keeping fit and pushing my own boundaries, competing and participating in events is part of that.
“ As long as I give it my all and enjoy the training side and the participation with other people I am happy.”
As part of Rotary Club of Hervey Bay Sunrise, Lars has continued to volunteer on various projects including the upcoming Tour de Bay. In fact Lars has been on the committee for the past four years. Since the event moved to the Hervey Bay Community Centre it has grown every year.
Lars said, “ This fund-raising event is for everybody to enjoy. You do not need to be super fit to compete, there is a ride for everyone.”.
The Tour de Bay – Is a bike ride that raises funds for the Hervey Bay Youth Mentoring Program, this program is run through the Hervey Bay Community Centre and is the sole fund-raiser for keeping the project alive. The goal each year is to try to raise $20,000 this ensures that the program can run for another year. 100% of your entry fee, which is your donation goes to supporting the program. But you are more than welcome to fund-raise more if you like, to do this you must register online as a fund-raiser. The money raised goes to different schools and is used to mentor kids that are really struggling with school. The program has had a lot of really positive results.
You can take part in either:
- 10km – The Amazing Ride – $30 Individual or $50 for a family
- 25km – The Scenic Cycle – $40 Individual
- 50km – The Biking Bruiser – $40 Individual
- 100km – The Centurion – $55 Individual
Register online at: https://www.tourdebay.com.au/, you can also check out maps and times.
Hervey Bay Tour de Bay
Sunday, September 17
Begins and ends at The Hervey Bay Community Centre
There will be a community breakfast for all Competitors hosted by Rotary Club of Hervey Bay Sunrise.
Competitor shirts will be available for purchase online before the event.
Story by Kim Parnell
