Paul Maley
richmondfc.com.au
4:23:01 PM Thu 3 April, 2003
The second annual Very Special Kids Cup match was played last Sunday (March 30) at Punt Road Oval. The match was not 'publicised' in advance because the Richmond players who are involved with the organisation wanted it to be something just for the children and their families. And what a day it was!
More than 150 families turned up on a glorious autumn afternoon to take part in the match. The Richmond players and staff were divided equally into two teams (yellow training guernseys and black training guernseys), and the children, their siblings and even their parents, were divided into 12 roughly equal groups - two teams for each of the six 'quarters' played.
Both teams ran through their own banners to start the day and then the fun began. Those not playing at any particular time enjoyed plenty of good food and drink as they watched the match from picnic blankets and chairs around the outside of a shortened oval.
Greg Stafford, who umpired the match, said of the afternoon, "It certainly isn't something that feels like an obligation for us, it'’s something we all get into and enjoy. I know I speak for all of us involved when I say it’s not only the joy on the kids' faces, but the enjoyment of their parents as well that is really gratifying.
"We can’t even comprehend the pain these people endure from first light every Monday through end of day Sunday each and every week of their lives. So to see them putting that aside for a few hours, and really enjoying themselves, is fantastic."
Annemarie Faulkner, Business Development Manager of VSK, continues to be impressed with the attitude and commitment of the players involved (Greg Stafford, Royce Vardy, Andrew Kellaway, David Rodan, Chris Newman, Mark Chaffey and Marty McGrath). "It’s great to see how they have really grown into their involvement with Very Special Kids. I think the effect their genuine enthusiasm had on so many of these families was obvious to everyone and will only help to further strengthen their commitment," said Annemarie.
The idea for the match came from the work Royce Vardy was doing last year with Very Special Kids. Since that time the relationship between VSK and Richmond has grown considerably, with seven players now actively involved in the 'community partnership.'
The players meet fortnightly and have formed themselves into a committee - "the magnificent seven," as they refer to themselves. In addition to the enjoyment they have received from the partnership, Stafford points out that it has also helped each of them gain a healthy perspective on life: "Although we are certainly hell-bent on achieving success on the footy field, being involved with VSK makes you realise that the well-being and health of your family is the most important thing in life."
richmondfc.com.au
4:23:01 PM Thu 3 April, 2003
The second annual Very Special Kids Cup match was played last Sunday (March 30) at Punt Road Oval. The match was not 'publicised' in advance because the Richmond players who are involved with the organisation wanted it to be something just for the children and their families. And what a day it was!
More than 150 families turned up on a glorious autumn afternoon to take part in the match. The Richmond players and staff were divided equally into two teams (yellow training guernseys and black training guernseys), and the children, their siblings and even their parents, were divided into 12 roughly equal groups - two teams for each of the six 'quarters' played.
Both teams ran through their own banners to start the day and then the fun began. Those not playing at any particular time enjoyed plenty of good food and drink as they watched the match from picnic blankets and chairs around the outside of a shortened oval.
Greg Stafford, who umpired the match, said of the afternoon, "It certainly isn't something that feels like an obligation for us, it'’s something we all get into and enjoy. I know I speak for all of us involved when I say it’s not only the joy on the kids' faces, but the enjoyment of their parents as well that is really gratifying.
"We can’t even comprehend the pain these people endure from first light every Monday through end of day Sunday each and every week of their lives. So to see them putting that aside for a few hours, and really enjoying themselves, is fantastic."
Annemarie Faulkner, Business Development Manager of VSK, continues to be impressed with the attitude and commitment of the players involved (Greg Stafford, Royce Vardy, Andrew Kellaway, David Rodan, Chris Newman, Mark Chaffey and Marty McGrath). "It’s great to see how they have really grown into their involvement with Very Special Kids. I think the effect their genuine enthusiasm had on so many of these families was obvious to everyone and will only help to further strengthen their commitment," said Annemarie.
The idea for the match came from the work Royce Vardy was doing last year with Very Special Kids. Since that time the relationship between VSK and Richmond has grown considerably, with seven players now actively involved in the 'community partnership.'
The players meet fortnightly and have formed themselves into a committee - "the magnificent seven," as they refer to themselves. In addition to the enjoyment they have received from the partnership, Stafford points out that it has also helped each of them gain a healthy perspective on life: "Although we are certainly hell-bent on achieving success on the footy field, being involved with VSK makes you realise that the well-being and health of your family is the most important thing in life."
