Wollondilly smash goal for Beyondblue
By Chris Underwood
The Wollondilly Knights played Figtree Kangaroos in the first beyondblue round for South Coast AFL earlier this month. Initiated by the Knights in a bid to bring much needed awareness about depression and anxiety to the community as well as to raise funds to help beyondblue’s projects and campaigns.
Both teams wore uniquely designed and sponsored jerseys recognising Beyondblue.
In front of a large crowd, the game was played at a frantic pace, with big hits, tackles and great marks exciting the crowd throughout the afternoon. A desperate comeback from the Wollondilly Knights saw them leading by 5 points, 5 minutes from the final siren but a gut wrenching goal by the Kangaroos in the last 2minutes saw the Knights lose by 1 point.
A hard fought and thrilling game, impressing some spectators who had never seen a game of AFL played. All players stepping up and playing at 110%.
After the game players and supporters scrubbed up to attend the Charity dinner for beyondblue held at the Bargo Sports Club. With a 170 people in attendance to enjoy good food, entertainment and to participate in Sports Memorabilia Auctions and raffles.
A special highlight of the night was to hear guest speaker Allan Sparks, an ambassador for beyondblue and author, who had made the trip from Sydney to share his own incredible and moving story of survival from mental illness and to give hope that by seeking help immediately when depression and anxiety begin to control your life things will improve.
The most important message being suicide is not the answer but is unfortunately the leading cause of death in males aged 15 – 44 and as a community we need to get that message out there and support family, friends and team mates who are struggling in life.
A huge thank you to local community groups with tables being purchased by Wollondilly Redbacks AFL, Tahmoor Soccer, Picton Rotary, local member Jai Rowell, local councillor Benn Banasik, Wollondilly Rugby Union and Picton Rugby League. Plus thank you to the number of individuals who also purchased tables and brought along friends and family.
A massive thanks to the numerous local businesses, sponsors and supporters of the dinner who were thanked on the night on the big screen for their generous contributions of many raffle prize donations.
Wollondilly Knights had set a goal to raise $10 000 fortunately through the many auctions, raffles and donations on the nightthey were able to smash that goal by raising a total of $18 000 for beyondblue and many people became a lot more wiser about depression and anxiety and the great work of beyondblue.
More information on depression and anxiety can be found at: www.beyondblue.org.au/;
