Swans reach out to honour Stynes
With the Swans taking on the Demons in their 30 year anniversary match this weekend, AFL NSW/ACT are proud to support the work of former Melbourne Football Club President Jim Stynes and champion player who passed away in March this year, following a lengthy battle with cancer. The Sydney Swans and AFL NSW/ACT have donated 50 tickets to the Sydney branch of the Reach Foundation in recognition of their work in the community.
Melbourne Football Club President and Reach Foundation board member Don McLardy said it was a generous gesture.
“It’s fantastic that the Swans, and the AFL, are making the Reach Crew feel welcome in Sydney, by inviting them to the match on Saturday,” he said.
“After his family, Jim’s two great passions were the AFL and his beloved Melbourne Demons, and the youth organization he co-founded, Reach.
“For the past two years Reach has established itself in Sydney. Demand for Reach’s school and community-based programs continues to grow every day – which is testament to positive impact of Reach’s work and Jim’s vision – that all young people, no matter what their circumstance, can achieve.
‘I’m sure Jim would be pleased that the AFL is supporting Reach to flourish in NSW.”
The AFL and the Reach Foundation this week announced the launch of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. The announcement was made by Jim Stynes’ widow, Sam Stynes, Melbourne Football Club President Don McLardy and AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou.
This award will commemorate Jim Stynes’ tireless service and leadership across the community and will be bestowed annually to the AFL player who demonstrates the values of Jim Stynes in his commitment to the community and understanding the value of helping others.
A selection panel including Sam Stynes, the CEO of the AFL, an AFL Commissioner, a Reach representative and the previous year’s winner will select the award each year with the recipient receiving $20,000 from the AFL to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.
Andrew Demetriou said: “We are all indebted to Jim Stynes’ memory and will forever be inspired by his contribution to Australian life that is matched by few in the history of the game.
“This award is a joint initiative of the AFL and Reach and will recognise those AFL players that make outstanding contributions to the community and display the same values that accompanied Jim throughout his remarkable life.
“This award is a fitting tribute to Jim’s boundless commitment to the broader community such as establishing the Reach Foundation and supporting numerous community initiatives during and after his playing career.”
Each year, Reach’s preventative programs are run for over 60,000 young Australians, in over 580 metropolitan and regional schools and communities across the country.
Participants are young people aged 10-18, both in and outside of the school system. Anyone who wants to improve their self confidence and get more from life is welcome at Reach. Reach also works with teachers and youth professionals through our specialised teacher training, which offers techniques for teachers to effectively engage with and support their students.
The programs are delivered by the Reach Crew (aged 15-25 years), who are experienced in effectively engaging participants and supporting them to improve self-belief, and to develop resilience and emotional awareness. Studies have shown that developing these skills in adolescence can reduce serious problems faced later in life including depression, substance abuse, homelessness and suicide.
