HSBC Waratahs share gym with Mission Australia participants
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Tuesday, 18 August 2009
NSWRU Media Unit
As part of a joint initiative between the Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) Foundation and Mission Australia, a number of homeless men today joined the HSBC Waratahs in the gym for a workout.
Locky McCaffrey provides a spot.
Locky McCaffrey provides a spot. [Mission Australia visit to Waratahs Performance Centre; IBM Centre; 18/8/09]
The HSBC Waratahs provide some training apparel.
The HSBC Waratahs provide some training apparel. [Mission Australia visit to Waratahs Performance Centre; IBM Centre; 18/8/09]
The players share a bite to eat with the Michael Project participants.
The players share a bite to eat with the Michael Project participants. [Mission Australia visit to Waratahs Performance Centre; IBM Centre; 18/8/09]
HSBC Waratahs with the Michael Project participants from Mission Australia outside the SFS.
HSBC Waratahs with the Michael Project participants from Mission Australia outside the SFS. [Mission Australia visit to Waratahs Performance Centre; IBM Centre; 18/8/09]
The Michael Project involves men taking part in weekly physical activity to help with their rehabilitation, and this week the participants jumped at the opportunity to share the IBM Centre gym with the HSBC Waratahs.
The players tailored their own training to help the participants with lifting technique, educating them about the gym's equipment and encouraging them throughout their workout.
The participants then joined with the squad for a players' lunch in the team room.
The visit was coordinated as part of a wider charity partnership between RUPA and Mission Australia.
Under the agreement, all HSBC Waratahs, Wallabies, Reds, Brumbies and Force players, as well as Masters of Rugby Alumni, will join Mission Australia's ambassador program and support the charity's services and fundraising events.
"As a massive fan of Rugby I'm very pleased to see this take shape. Mission Australia is extremely grateful for the support of the country's finest rugby players," said Toby Hall, Mission Australia chief executive officer. "I know there are many people in our services - particularly young people in need - who will be inspired by meeting these top players and hearing about how they stay positive, keep their focus and rise to the challenges thrown at them while playing sport at an elite level.
"And I'm sure the players will learn a bit about overcoming adversity and hanging tough when life doesn't go your way from our clients."
The first function attended by RUPA Foundation members was the barbecue for homeless people in
Sydney on Friday 7 August. HSBC Waratah Scott Fava and HSBC Junior Waratah Locky McCaffrey attended the event to present those participating in the City2Surf with their gear and talk football with some keen Rugby supporters.
"It's not often that people sit and have a chat with homeless people so being able to throw a footy around and wish the City2Surf people good luck was great," said Fava. "I was really pleased to hear on Monday that they all finished - that's a great achievement for anyone."
Further hands on involvement from RUPA members with various Mission Australia programs are planned.
For more information, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au.