Sharks spreading Christmas cheer

In between an arduous last week of training conducted under the hot summer sun, the Sharks found time in their schedule to spread some cheer with three Christmas community visits.

As a part of the Sharks commitment to community initiatives a contingent of NRL squad members dropped by the Sydney Children’s and Sutherland Hospitals, as well as the Syvanvale Foundation’s Mikarie Child Care Centre, donating toys and Sharks merchandise in attempting to lift the spirits of all concerned.

On Tuesday Andrew Fifita, Anthony Tupou, Wade Graham, Jayson Bukuya and Ben Ross made the trip to Randwick and the Sydney Children’s Hospital where they visited around 50-60 kids, many of who will unfortunately spend Christmas and New Year in hospital.

The five Sharks handed out toys, signed autographs, posed for photos and played video games with the young patients in the Starlight Room in an effort to put smiles on as many faces as possible.

The following day it was off to the Mikarie Child Care Centre run by the Sylvanvale Foundation with Sharks Ricky Leutele, Sosaia Feki, Sione Masima and Penani Manumalealii attending.

In all 40 or more children were in attendance, with the boys donating toys to the Mikarie Centre for use by their students throughout the year.

While the kids present on the day may not be keeping the toys they did enjoy a chance to open them and play some games, both inside and outside the centre, with the Sharks players also having photographs taken and signing autographs on an afternoon which was enjoyed by all.

Then on Thursday the final stop was the Sutherland Hospital and the Children’s Ward, where 10 sick kids appreciated a visit by Sharks players Beau Ryan, Stewart Mills, Tyrone Peachey, Nathan Stapleton and Nathan Gardner.

Known for putting smiles on faces, Beau didn’t disappoint, with the youngsters equally impressed by the presence of the other four Sharks who again handed out toys, Sharks backpacks and posed for photos.

While they did manage to engage with a small number of children prior to taking their holiday break the Sharks would also like to wish everybody a merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.