In the lead up to the Rabbitohs Round 21 NRL match against the Broncos, the Souths Cares team travelled to the Sunshine Coast to deliver Rabbitohs Wellbeing workshops within schools and to promote Rugby League. Souths Cares were joined by NRL Game Development staff and Rabbitohs player Terrell Kalo Kalo throughout the regional tour.
Day one of the tour kicked off with the team heading to Caloundra, visiting three primary schools including Unity College, Caloundra State School and Currimundi State School, delivering workshops and clinics to over 600 students. The students were engaging throughout the workshops, with Terrell Kalo Kalo's messages about gratitude for his family's sacrifices creating a big impact with the audience.
Brendan Bopf, Deputy Principal Caloundra State SchoolHaving Souths Cares return to our school allows us to ensure that we continue to concentrate on all of our students well-being in a way that is truly engaging for our students. We hope that the relationship will continue as our students are still talking about the lessons, which is a win in all of our books
Day two of the regional tour engaged over 650 students from Coolum State School, Coolum State High School and Peregian Springs State School, with students learning about the important topics of mental health awareness and gratitude, whilst also learning some fundamental Rugby League skills and participating in physical activities.
In the afternoon the team hosted a Free Junior League Clinic at Nirimba Sporting Fields supported by NRL Game Development staff. Over 100 children and youth attended and the clinic, embracing the opportunity to enhance their Rugby League skills whilst focusing on teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
Day three of the tour saw the team visit Mooloolaba State School, Maroochydore State High School and Mountain Creek State High School engaging over 650 students. Souths Cares Ambassadors Rhys Wesser and Yileen Gordon shared their own strategies to improve mental health and build a gratitude practice into each day, which strongly resonated with the students.
For Rabbitohs squad member and aspiring NRL player Terrell Kalo Kalo, the Sunshine Coast Regional Tour was enjoyable and profound experience.
"The week in the Sunshine Coast was such a humbling and eye-opening experience. Being able to see how much the school visits mean to the students and also how engaged they are with the presentations was remarkable", Terrell said.
With over 1800 students engaged from nine schools within the Sunshine Coast region, Souths Cares Regional Tour was a great success and the team looks forward to the opportunity visit again soon.
The Rabbitohs Wellbeing Program is proudly supported by the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation.
