Very proud of my Wenty Magpies JRLC, who have been named a finalist in the NRL's 2013 Service to the Community Award for the their TRYTIME program.
For those that don't know, Trytime is a program to get special needs kids with autism and similar disabilities to be able to play Rugby League. The club has put a lot of effort into getting the program established, and it's been a huge success and will likely prove a template for other clubs and districts to follow.
http://www.parraeels.com.au/news-display/eels/84832
Wentworthville United Junior Rugby League Club for establishing TRYTIME, a special needs Rugby League program helping children in the Parramatta area with disabilities to develop confidence; Ron Gibbs, who uses Rugby League to improve social cohesion in the Indigenous community in Western NSW; and David McColl, a teacher at Merrimac State High School who is responsible for launching a development program for girls to play the sport as a curriculum subject through PDHPE.
“The kids absolutely love the game, try their utmost to improve their skills and all help each other to learn through their friendships,” says Allan McGowan, Wentworthville United Junior Rugby League Football Club Secretary.
“I think it’s what sport really is all about; allowing children to feel a sense of self worth, a sense of achievement and the realisation that they can be whatever they want to be no matter what hurdles they may face along the way.”
Replies
Also well done to the Wenty club senior sides on field 2013 performances ...although the NSW Cup boys are knocked out...they have the Ron Massey Cup & Sydney Shield teams alive in major semi finals this weekend....
Both teams had wins...through to grand finals...next weekend....
Wenty is a great club and for those that haven't sampled a game down at Ringrose or had a cold VB at the club - get down there. It's a great place for RL enthusiasts.
Also great work Wenty in introducing TRYTIME. It's obviously an initiative to include all folk in our game and I think its great and it shows we are a caring organisation despite the headlines that sometimes doesn't show us in a good light (eg Blake Ferguson & Ricky Stuart).
I note the reference to Ron Gibbs (or "RAMBO") as he was known back in his day. As a father who sent his sons to many RL camps at Narrabeen I would urge any young 1EE parent to also send their kids to Narrabeen as Rambo is one of the best blokes to ever take charge of your kids. They will have so much fun but it will cost you more over the years because they will always want to go back!
I sincerely hope we never lose the Wenty club to one of the vulture NRL clubs like Cabra (Newtown/Roosters) & Mounties (Canberra Raiders). We need to protect OUR product.
Always win A-grade. Like, literally, always.
Most exciting news for Wenty is we're getting a new grand stand at Ringrose Park. I was down there this week dropping off my kit for the year, and it's already a good way to completion, so if you go and watch any games next year, they'll be a new grand stand to watch from.