More than 50 athletes have raised almost $30,000 for a hurricane relief fund in support of the Salvation Army’s efforts.

They worked in teams to raise the funds and prizes were today presented to the group that raised the most money and the team that brought in their money first.

“This represents the idea and inspiration of one person and over 50 other athletes caught the vision,” the Salvation Army said in a statement.

“This vision is going to bring some tangible relief to those victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria that devastated the Caribbean in late September.

“The athletes have all completed a major task in assisting others in the Caribbean and at a personal expense of working out physically. They have answered the call of their fellow man.”

Calvin Ming, the director of public relations for the Salvation Army, also presented Steve Burgess, who developed the idea, with a “Friends of the Army Award” at the ceremony in Victoria Park.

Mr Ming explained that Mr Burgess had hoped to raise about $10,000, having done the same for victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The athletes worked in ten teams, with the youngest participant 10 years old.

They committed to 100 hours of exercise each in their chosen sport between October 9 and 14 and people were asked to donate $1 per minute.

The prize for the team that raised the most money was presented by Mr Burgess to yoga group Weekenders, who brought in $9,100. They won a month’s worth of free classes at Lucky Elephant Yoga.

Cycle group Gary Raynor’s Team took home the prize for bringing their money in first. They won body massages from Ashlan Clinic.

Major Frank Pittman said a total of $22,877 had already been deposited with another $7,000 committed.

He added that a few more commitments are still to come but the total is expected to be more than $30,000.

The Salvation Army has been raising funds to assist those affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria, which caused widespread damage in the Caribbean in August and September.