Laugh therapy is one of the top drawcards for four Gore women who have signed up for this year’s Vodafone Workplace Challenge. 

The women - Shivani Nayagar, Virginia Carter, Gillian Bedwell, and Lornae Straith - all work at the Gore District Council, and while they all work in different parts of the organisation, judging by the laughter and banter going on during the interview for this article, laugh therapy is exactly what this quartet is going to experience. 

As well as having a laugh and some fun, the four say they are also keen to get to know each other better. Challenging themselves and working on their fitness are also all on the agenda. 

And then there is also the all-important bragging rights within the Council. 

“We are wanting to show up the boys because they didn’t get off their butts.” 

Lornae, who has been with the Council for four months, is looking forward to the opportunity to get into the community and see some more of the area, something Shivani, who has been with the council for a year, is also keen to do. 

Virginia and Gillian are eager to build more activity into their days – both have previously been very active, but recent injuries had forced them into slowing down a little. 

“So this is a way to get out and get going again now that the weather is better,” Virginia said. 

The idea of points has also attracted the group, who all admit to having a competitive streak. 

“I quite like a challenge, I like to get out there and I like to be number one,” Gillian said. 

They hoped more teams from Gore would enter, and encouraged people to head to https://www.sporty.co.nz/workplacechallenge to sign up. The process had been easy, and they were keen to find out soon what activities and challenges were on offer in Gore, when the Vodafone Workplace Challenge booklet became available. 

This year’s Vodafone Workplace Challenge runs from October 19 until November 8 and features 21 challenges over 21 days. There are also a range of fun, free Have a Go sessions, lots of discounts and specials, and up to $10,000 in spot prizes available. 

Entries close on Wednesday October 14, so register your team as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun. 

Caption: Gore District Council staff Shivani Nayagar, Virginia Carter, Lornae Straith, and Gillian Bedwell are looking forward to taking part in this year's Vodafone Workplace Challenge.

Article added: Monday 12 October 2020