Some of the Country’s biggest sporting codes united on Tuesday and Wednesday to help children in the Grantham, Helidon, Murphy’s Creek and Gatton evacuation centres forget their troubles for at least a little while.
Initiated by the Department of Sport and Rec, SWIN and the Toowoomba PCYC combined with AFL and 11 other sporting organisations, visited the major evacuation centres in the Lockyer Valley to help lift the spirits and hopefully forget their troubles for at least a little while.
Toowoomba PCYC indigenous sport and recreation officer Dusty Wilson says sport has a great ability to provide a boost to struggling communities.
“By coming out here and giving the kids a few different sports activities it takes their minds off of what’s been happening,” Wilson said. “It also gives mum and dad a bit of time to relax without the kids around.”
AFL Queensland Development Officer Jeff Neumann was one of many on hand to help with the tour, to help put a smile on the faces of the kids.
“Just coming down through the area looking at the devastation throughout the region is a real eye opener and when Dusty asked for us to participate, there was no hesitation, it was a straight out, yes!”, everyone from all the sports were more than happy to help out and do whatever they could. The tour wasn’t about promoting any sport, it was about getting down there and hopefully putting a smile on the kids faces and let them know everyone is thinking of them.”
All of the organisations were able to donate thousands of dollars of sporting gear and goods, which was handed out individually to everyone that came along.
Development Officer Jeff Neumann said, the AFL and other sporting organisations were thrilled to be asked to partake in the experience and it’s an experience we will never forget.
Last Modified on 28/02/2011 20:33
