"Anything we can do to make a bit of fun or easier, we're happy to do."
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That's what star netball player and Macquarie Sports clinic coach, Liz Ellis says about her upcoming visit to Mudgee.
Celebrating 20 years, Macquarie Sports is making a special visit to the bush to host a free multi-sports clinic to provide an opportunity for rural and remote children to get active, social and encouraged to try out a variety of sports.
"As the 20 year anniversary was coming up, there was some talk about having a party or function and the decision was made that those options would be a waste of money and could be better spent celebrating with the people we have worked with for all of those years - kids," Ellis said.
The clinic is offered to primary schools from all across the Central West, and Liz says Mudgee was the pick of the bunch due to its suitable location to be able to reach out for kids experiencing the tireless drought.
"When we started to look around, there was a sense given the current drought, Mudgee was sort of a pretty central area to be able to get to as many drought affected kids as we could," she said.
It's super important I think for Australia to show drought affected communities that we are a part of the support network and that we are thinking of them.
- Macquarie Sports coach and star netballer, Liz Ellis
"There are a couple of reasons why we come out. The first thing is to bring a bit of joy and happiness and to have these kids understand that those of us who have been pretty fortunate with sport in our life would like to come and make a difference to them, especially when things are tough.
"So many kids in the city areas get access to these types of clinics so it's really important that organisations like Macquarie Sports can ensure kids in rural and regional areas get access to these sports stars."
The clinic, alongside Liz, will host the likes of Cath Cox, Paige Hadley, Steve Menzies, Brad Haddin, Cameron Murry, Patrick McCutcheon and Paddy Ryan.
Ellis says experience is not a must with the aim of the day focused on getting involved.
"If a kid turns up and have never played before, we can absolutely structure what we're doing to suit their needs," she said.
We hope to reinforce the skills they already have and to also spend some time with them so they understand that we are normal people.
"Often what I'm coaching is exactly the same as what the kids' club coaches are coaching, they're just hearing it from a different voice.
"If we can achieve at the top of our sport, they can too."
The clinic will be held at Glen Willow on Friday, October 18 from 10am to 2pm.
If primary schools would like to get involved, contact macquariesports@macquarie.com.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
