Ants & Griffins champion charity day for Invictus Australia
Community rugby league club, the Aberglassyln Ants, raise funds to support the veteran community
To round out a great footy season, the Aberglasslyn Ants and East Maitland Griffins Senior Rugby League Football Clubs hosted a Charity Day to raise funds for Invictus Australia. Declared a huge success, the local derby raised over $5000 in support of Invictus and its work with veterans and their families.
Each year the Aberglasslyn Ants dedicate one of their home games to a charity of their choice. This year, Invictus Australia was honoured to be named the round’s Charity Partner, and featured on their limited edition jersey, sales of which contributed to the fundraising efforts.
“We are enormously grateful to the entire community and passionate Aberglasslyn Ants club, who persevered through setbacks and wild weather to host this wonderful Charity Day and raise much needed funds for our work. A true example of the unconquered Invictus spirit, and inspiration for all local communities to embrace their veteran community. Thank you for the support, and we’re thrilled to have you as part of the Invictus Australia family.” Michael Hartung, CEO of Invictus Australia.
strong connection to defence community
The Aberglasslyn Ants and East Maitland Griffins Rugby League Clubs both have solid links to the defence community and are proud to be able to show their support and appreciation to those who serve our country.
Over the years, both clubs have welcomed a number of current and former-serving men and women to their teams and are dedicated to continuing their relationships with the defence community. Furthermore, The Ants coach, Cameron Bright, is himself a veteran and a driving force behind the regions support and involvement with Invictus Australia.
perfect way to end the season
As with so many sports around the country, the Ants and Griffins Charity Match was marred with weather cancellations. The round had been ‘washed out’ a number of times thanks to the unseasonably wet weather. However, the teams were able to pull some scheduling strings to have their Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League games at King Edward Park, the Ants home ground, for the annual charity round in August.
battlefields to Footy fields lends a hand
Invictus Australia partner, NRL’s Battlefield to Footy Fields threw their support behind the day too. Battlefields to Footy Fields (B2F) is an NRL initiative which offers nationally recognised training for current and ex-serving ADF members and their immediate family. The program allows participants to get involved in footy through officiating, sports training roles and mentoring.
acknowledging community as well as charity
The Ants and Griffins Charity Football Round was as much about recognising the dedication of the local community, as it was supporting Invictus Australia. The two communities came together to put on a show for the friends and families of the players and thank them for their continued support of their teams. Kids were treated to a jumping castle and the legends at East Maitland Fire Brigade brought down the station’s Fire Engage for attendees to explore.
It was a successful community event in more ways than one.
Invictus Australia focuses on the mental, social and physical health benefits of sport, supporting the Defence community to participate, volunteer of otherwise get involved sport, whether at a local club level, or representing Australia at the Invictus Games or other international events. As a not-for-profit organisation, Invictus replies on the generous support of Government, corporates and communities. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can support our work, visit invictusaustralia.org.
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