Published: 17 Sep 2010
Karl "Killer" Bradotti 45, takes out the "Beat the Bulge" DP World Port Botany comp with a remarkable loss of 40.8kgs, in just 3 months
Boy, hasn't he packed on the pounds? Hasn't she let herself go? How often have we all heard that said in conversation.
Well not so, for 27 wharifes at DP World Port Botany, who have just completed a 3 month weight loss competition aptly named, "Beat The Bugle". In a joint Maritime Union and DP World workplace health initiative, contestants signed up to lose weight, get fit and raise much needed funds for the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick.
It all began when Graham Boyd, a wharfie at DP World Port Botany approached General Manager James Mather and Sydney Branch Secretary Paul McAleer, for their support. And after receiving two thumbs up, the die was cast with a start date and weigh in commencing on 9th June 2010.
An entry fee of $100 was agreed upon to provide prize money that would be shared amongst the winners of the event. In addition, T-Shirts were designed and printed to advertise the event courtesy of Paul McAleer of Sydney Branch.
Group training events were organised over the 12 week period with DP World's resident boxing trainer and fitness guru Brian Wilmot taking the helm as the groups conditioner/trainer. "I'm proud to be involved with it, he said.
Events like these can lead to a permanent change to a healthier lifestyle, he added. Brian also was the boxing trainer for the previous Maritime Union fund raising event, War of The Wharves held back in March.
Graham Boyd, the event manager organised for the contestants to tackle the 7km Bay Run at Drummoyne, just 4 weeks out from the final weigh in with Brian Wilmot lacing up his jogging shoes and leading the way on the day.
On the final day September 9 the contestants weighed in.
"Beat the Bugle" winner Karl "Killer" Bradotti 45, took out the event with a starting weight of 119.6kgs and after a gruelling 3 months of exercising and controlled eating, tipped the scales at an astonishing 78.8kgs on the last weigh in. A remarkable loss of 40.8kgs, a truly inspiring effort indeed.
Second place went to Gary Somerville with an equally remarkable loss of 36.3kgs with 3rd place going to former South Sydney first grader, Steve Mavin with a weight loss of 29.6kgs.
A wonderful and inspiring effort from all the contestants and "Beat The Bugle" they did. Events like this can offer a much needed kick start that can lead to maintaining a long and healthy life.
A special thank you to conditioner/trainer Brian Willmot and event manager Graham Boyd, for making the event such a success in raising $2000 for the Sydney Children's Hospital.
A short film on the fitness fight is in production
