“Andrew’s beyondblue Cup” charity football match to be staged on Sept 5 in St Leornards
On the 10th May 2013 Ronnie Camilleri from Portalington lost his best friend of more than 30 years, Andrew, to suicide. It shattered him.
Last year, Ronnie and several other friends, staged a charity soccer game in Andrew’s honour and managed to raise over $2000.00 for beyondblue, the charity that assists men with depression. They promised themselves they’d try and do the same thing every year...
As a result, this year’s “Andrew’s beyondblue Cup” will be staged on Saturday the 5th of September 2015 at the home ground of the Bellarine Sharks FC, Lakes Reserve in St Leonards.
“We had a great turnout last year and the weather helped a lot too,” Ronnie told FFV Geelong and added, “everyone that was there did their part to help out and the day turned out to be a success
“This year we will be raising money for beyondblue again and of course we would like to beat our last year’s total,” he said.
Not only will the men’s game be staged between the Bellarine Peninsula teams (Drysdale SC & Bellarine Sharks) but there will also be fun and games for the kids too.
According to Ronnie, the winning team will be presented with a beyondblue Cup that has been created in memory of Andrew.
“As a result we are hoping to do this every year and make it bigger and better every time. The senior men’s game will be between two rival clubs, Bellarine Sharks and Drysdale Soccer Club. But it will be all in fun of course.
“The game will be staged in conjunction with the Bellarine Sharks Family Day, so we are hoping for a large turnout. Bellarine Sharks are a struggling club, but their heart is in the right place,” added Ronnie.
“Depression and anxiety affects many men and not many of them go and get help. They are either too ashamed or embarrassed. Since the passing of my best friend, we have had so many men come up and say to us that they were so close to it themselves. Suicide is a word that people seem to be ashamed or afraid of. But it is happening to regularly in today’s society.
“We are losing too many loved ones to this disease and we want it to stop. The more people that acknowledge this, the more lives we can save,” concluded Ronnie Camilleri extending an open invitation to the Geelong football community to come and support the “Andrew’s beyondblue Cup” charity day on 5th of September.
PHOTO: Ronnie Camilleri (right) and his best mate Andrew in happier times
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.