In what has become an annual pilgrimage to the Riverina district in regional NSW a delegation from the Sharks have paid a goodwill visit to Wagga Wagga, Lake Cargelligo and Griffith in spreading healthy lifestyle messages to youngsters in the area.
Sharks NRL squad members Anthony Moraitis and Jordan Drew were joined by Fan and Community Development Coordinator Omar El Rayes and NRL Development Officers Andrew Herbert and James Smart on the two-day trip.
“We had a great time and I think they really enjoyed having us there,” El Rayes said. “The group dropped in on seven schools and the Lake Sharks CRL club.
“At the Junior League visit we chatted about healthy lifestyles encouraging the Lake junior league players to drink lots of water and eat nutritious foods, then post the chat we had a question and answer where the kids took home some prizes.”
Moraitis and Drew also promoted the NRL’s ‘Tackle Bullying’ program during their school visits, which is an anti-bullying module to give the school students an understanding how to combat bullying and ways to resolve issues around bullying.”
On the Monday in Lake Cargelligo at the Lake Sharks the visiting Cronulla Sharks and the NRL’s Herbert ran a few games and skills for the young players, with Moraitis and Drew getting involved in a huge game of touch football with all the kids along.
Two of the Sharks promising youngsters who are currently playing a leading role with the clubs Intrust Super Premiership partner team the Newtown Jets, Moraitis and Drew were said to enjoy the good will visit and the interaction with the youngsters of the area.
“It was a busy few days but it was an enjoyable experience for Jordan and myself,” Moraitis said. “Everyone was very welcoming, participated and got involved and seemed to really get something out of our presentations.”
The schools the delegation visited included Tullibigeal Central School, St Francis Xavier, Lake Cargelligo Central and the South Wagga, Lake Albert, Henschke and Beelbangera primary schools.
The Riverina visit was a continuation of the Sharks efforts to interact and engage with the community in promoting positive and healthy lifestyle messages.
