RUGBY LEAGUE
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The 2016 Hogs For The Homeless Tour begins today (Monday, February 15) and arrives in Mudgee this afternoon, where they will be hosting a Rugby League skills clinic for budding young footballers.
True Blues legends Brad Fittler, Nathan Hindmarsh, Matt Cooper and Steve Menzies are leading the 3500-plus kilometre motorbike journey which will travel through 17 NSW country towns, starting with Oberon this morning.
The former Origin greats will ride their Harley Davidson motorbikes far and wide throughout NSW to raise awareness and funds for Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets.
Another aim of the journey is to help drive Junior Rugby League membership and participation in 2016 and they’ll be bringing along 3000 Rugby League balls to be handed out to children along the way.
The crew, also consisting of NSW Origin representatives Josh Perry, Steve Roach and Ian Schubert, will also run Rugby League clinics across schools and local clubs in remote passionate Rugby League communities from Oberon to Cessnock.
Since its inception in 2013, Hogs For The Homeless has raised almost $300,000 for Youth off the Streets, with this year’s tour also raising much-needed funds for Rugby League clubs.
Having been a supporter of Youth off the Streets since his playing days, Fittler is thrilled to be a part of such an exciting and inspiring journey once again.
“It is amazing to see how animated the people get when we arrive in these small country towns,” said the former Origin captain.
“It is so unbelievably humbling to meet these wonderful people who have so many great stories to share. I love seeing the smiles on kids’ faces when we put a footy in their hands.
“Helping people in need is something I feel strongly about and the more attention we can bring to the work of these organisations the better off thousands will be.”
The riders are expected to travel more than 3500km, making stops in 17 country towns including Mudgee, Forbes, Wagga Wagga, Tingha and Gloucester.
They will then wind up at Sydney’s Mounties Community Club, where the riders will join NSWRL CEO David Trodden in rolling out their blankets and sleeping under the stars following the NSWRL season launch on Monday, February 29.
The tour will conclude on Tuesday, March 1, with the riders to then perform a lap of honour before the Sea Eagles-Bulldogs Round 1 NRL clash at Brookvale Oval on Friday, March 4.
On Monday, February 15, children and parents are invited to attend the Hogs for the Homeless skills clinic with former NRL stars Josh Perry, Nathan Hindmarsh and Brad Fittler in attendance.
The clinic kicks off at 4.30pm at Glen Willow Sports Complex and is for children aged 5- 16.
Parents can register their children by visiting the website bit.ly/hogsforthehomelessmudgee where you can also purchase raffle tickets and support Youth Off The Streets.
Footy fun for the very young
Before Hogs For The Homeless rolls into town this afternoon and holds their skills clinic for children aged 5-16, there’ll be some fun for footy fans even younger than that age group.
Another Footy for Fun clinic in will be held in Mudgee later today (Monday, February 15), and will be also be held at Glen Willow Sporting Complex in conjunction with the Hogs For The Homeless tour.
The clinic is open to all children aged 0-5 years and their parents or care givers.
All activities conducted by Country Rugby League staff and willing parents.
It will commence at 4pm and run for approximately 45 minutes.
There is no cost to participants for the event and all participants receive a small gift upon completion.
Parents and care givers must accompany child for the duration of the program.
The basis of the program is to develop the gross motor skills of the children and to get them participating in physical activity with their parents/caregivers at as young an age as possible.
There will be representatives from their community partner – The Mudgee Local Aboriginal Lands Council- as well as The Benevolent Society involved on the day.