The High Panters Perth: in Honour of Eugene Lim (2003)
After the death of Eugene Lim (2003) earlier this year, his friends in Perth wanted to do something to honour him, and so The High Panters Perth came into existence.
The High Panters (THP) was founded in Singapore in 2012 by Eugene and his friend Kenneth Lim with a simple philosophy: running is a vehicle for social good. They pursued this passion and purpose with a community-first ethos. The Singapore High Panters have raised over $50,000 SGD for many wonderful charities including the World Toilet Organization, Alzheimer’s Disease Association and the Hope for the Family in Thailand.
The Perth chapter builds directly on this community focussed ethos while adopting a unique Perth perspective. THP Perth honours the legacy of co-founders Eugene and Kenneth , whilst also focussing fundraising efforts on child health and education related causes.
THP Perth has followed the leadership of Eugene Lim, Kenneth Lim and Eugene’s wife Sofie Chandra (The Happy Pace Club) to create a space that is:
Radically inclusive to those in the community pursuing connection and health through movement
Uses parks, natural and green spaces as the heart of our connection
Supports charities and social causes focussed on child education and health
Builds networks, relationships and connection across all communities
Every THP run, partnership and activation in Perth follows the principles established by the Singapore Leaders to ensure The High Panters Perth crew never drifts from its founding purpose. The High Panters Perth exists to foster connection through radically inclusive running, grounded in parks and public spaces, while raising funds and awareness for charitable and social causes.
Radical Inclusiveness
Every pace is welcome. Always.
Walkers, first-time runners, elite athletes, from all walks of life start and finish together for core THP activities.
No unnecessary hierarchy. Captains serve the group.
Performance is always welcome but Community and Connection always come before performance.
The founding members of The High Panters Perth Chapter, Trav Kingdon, Georgian Emily Woodward (2019), Juliet Schreurs, Kimberley Parkin and Jarryd Heasman established THP Perth true to The High Panters Singapore principles and without a burdensome hierarchy or authority structure. The only structure established is designated “Captains” who plan and communicate events. The group will aim to have 3-6 Captains at any one time to ensure the load is shared and a diversity of thought, leadership and voice is established.
If you would like to join the High Panters Perth on their runs, they meet up on Wednesdays at 4:30pm at the Kids’ Bridge which goes over Thomas Street from Perth Children’s Hospital to Kings Park. More information is on Instagram: @thehighpantersperth
