The Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club will host the TAB Great Chase Community Day today, 21 August in support of local disability organisations.
The event is part of a series of functions held at 13 country and metropolitan greyhound racing clubs, culminating in the TAB Great Chase Final which will be held at The Meadows Greyhound Racing Club in Melbourne on 25 October.
Disability groups, including staff, clients, their families and carers, have been invited to an afternoon at the races. Along with the hospitality, they have the opportunity to raise some funds for their organisation.
Each community group will be randomly assigned a number of greyhounds for the day which will gain virtual points according to wins and placings. The groups with the most virtual points at the end of the day will win cash prizes.
In previous years community groups have used the prize money to buy much needed computers, specialist equipment, or pay for excursions and activities.
Organised in partnership with the TAB, The TAB Great Chase has been conducted every year since 2003. More than $500,000 in much-needed funds has been donated to organisations working in the disability sector over that time.
Greyhound Racing Victoria has allocated $50,000 for the 2017 series: almost $20,000 of which will go to clubs to help cover the cost of catering and giveaways; and another $24,000 for the grand final where eight groups will be randomly selected to vie for a share of the prizemoney. The winning group on the day will take away the grand prize of $10,000.
The manager of the Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club, Steve Clarke, said the main aim of the day was to provide an enjoyable, social day out.
“The Great Chase is about inclusion and supporting the local community, and participating organisations also appreciate the opportunity to raise much-needed funds,” Mr Clarke said.
“It’s a fantastic day, we get a terrific turn up every year. People who have attended in the past say they really enjoy the day, that it’s exciting to watch the races and cheer on their dog.
“Everyone at the club gets behind this year after year to make sure our guests enjoy themselves.
We’re very happy and proud to be part of it.”
