Easts and Willoughby support Giant cause
Budding Aussie Rules players and footy fans are invited to a coaching clinic with Sydney Swans talent scout, Chris Smith, as part of an action-packed day that will see the Eastern Bulldogs vie for the coveted Giant Steps Cup at Trumper Park on Sunday, 15 September.
In its second year, The Giant Steps Cup sees two leading Under-12 Auskick teams: the Eastern Bulldogs and the Willoughby Wildcats, giving it their best to help raise awareness, and funds, for the autism charity Giant Steps.
Footy fans will get to see some of Sydney’s best young talent on show, with both teams coached by ex-Sydney Swans players and 10 boys on the field that have already made it into the high achieving Swans Academy.
Chris Smith, who runs the Sydney Swans Academy program to identify and develop future AFL talent, will host a half time “Super Swans Academy Footy Clinic” for children aged five to 12 years for $5.
“The Giant Steps Cup is all about teaching our kids that a few small steps in Aussie Rules can help someone take giant steps in life,” said former Sydney Swans player and Eastern Bulldogs coach, Kevin Dyson.
Last year’s action-packed event, raised $2,000 for the Giant Steps charity, a school and educational center for students with autism that seeks to educate and support students and their families.
Bondi resident, Ingrid Michalowsky, whose son Jonah attends the Giant Steps school said: “This event, and more importantly, the way the club has embraced Jonah as a team member, has been priceless for our family.
“Jonah, who has autism, joined the club after last year’s Giant Steps Cup and attends games wearing the number 53 jersey.
“Like all parents, our greatest desire is for Jonah to be included and accepted in the world,” Michalowsky said.
“Autism is only one part of Jonah – he’s smart, he knows what inclusion feels like.
“It’s not tokenistic – the boys and parents in this club have genuinely embraced him.
“When he walks around Bondi, he gets a high five or a hug from other players.
“It’s about Jonah being known and the other kids knowing that being different is not scary and that inclusion can make a real difference to their lives and our community.”
Highlights on the day will include:
“Super Swans Academy Footy Clinic” – Sydney Swans Academy manager and scout, Chris Smith will coach this half-time clinic for kids aged five to 12 years. Cost – just $5 with all proceeds going to Giant Steps
“Ultimate Swans Training Experience” raffle prize– kids can go in the running for a behind the scenes experience as Swans players prepare for training. Stay for the training session, have a kick with the players, and enjoy your very own guided tour of the Club (children only).
Other raffle prizes include:
Yamaha Vity 125cc scooter valued at more than $2,500
Weekend beach getaway at Seal Rocks valued at $900
“Hydration Esky” and other giveaways
Event details:
When: Sunday, 15 September
Where: Trumper Park, Corner of Glenmore Road and Hampden Street Paddington
Times: 10.00am – pre-game fun with face painting and games for the kids
11.00am – Giant Steps Cup with AFL legend Wow Jones as MC
11.30am – Sydney Swans Super Footy Clinic with Swans Academy Director Chris Smith (5-12 –year-olds, $5 donation to Giant Steps)
12:30pm – Raffle draw and close
For more information:
Kevin Dyson, ex Sydney Swans player, Easts Coach and Event Organiser – Mobile: 0417 708429 – Email: kdyson@fortinet.com
Nicky Dowling, Mobile 0418 485860
Jamie Verco, Mobile 0408 202 203
Click here for additional information
Click here for the story of the Giant Steps Cup and Jonah’s story
