Zahra's Opportunity of a Lifetime!

For high school student Zahra Al Hindawi, carrying the Queen’s Baton on its Shepparton leg of the Commonwealth Games was an honour.

The Verney Rd student, 17, was nominated by a teacher and staff member at the school to take part in the relay, and was ecstatic to be included.  An avid runner before she was nominated, Zahra said she never expected she would have the opportunity to run in such a special event.  The Year 12 student is an enthusiastic volunteer, who spends her time working with the Meals on Wheels team at the Mercy Place aged care facility, helps out with hot food at school, as well as with hydrotherapy for those with a disability.

‘‘I felt really scared beforehand, but I got used to it and got excited because my friends from Shepparton High were there to support me, and they cheered me on and gave me high fives as I ran past, so I’m just so happy,’’ Zahra said.  ‘‘It was just a dream, I didn’t ever expect I would be here with these people around me, and I’d just like to thank everyone for coming today.’’

Zahra was chosen to represent Shepparton with 16 other runners for the event, which began at Bourchier St in front of a roaring crowd of primary school students.