In between training, the physio treatments and the rehabilitation work on his injured ankle, Sharks skipper Paul Gallen has put his time to good use in supporting a significant NRL initiative.
Gallen has been to four different local area schools in the last two weeks in emphasising the important messages contained in the NRL’s Tackle-Bullying program.
In presenting ‘Tackle Bullying’ Gallen, along with the other Sharks players who regularly deliver the schools program, show an NRL produced DVD, speak about the most important messages, while also explaining and outlining the actions that can be taken to help prevent all forms of bullying.
The school presentation then concludes with a specially prepared Sharks DVD, with players giving responses to a number of light-hearted questions, before the players take questions from the floor.
Star of the Sea Primary School at Miranda was his first point of call, where Gallen spoke to 500 students, from classes Kindergarten to Year 6 in presenting ‘Tackle-Bullying’ last week.
Next was Endeavour Sports High School where he delivered the messages to over 800 students, before the NSW Origin captain dropped by neighbouring Woolooware High.
At Woolooware Gallen spoke at the school assembly where he assisted with the school’s Sharks for the Shire Fundraising program, before answering a series of footy-related questions sent his way by the students.
For more info on Sharks for the Shire fundraising initiative click on the following link: http://www.sharks.com.au/community/sharks-for-the-shire-fundraising-.html
Then last but by no means least it was a visit to Sylvania Heights Primary School for another ‘Tackle Bullying’ session for 500 students, with Gallen giving away some prizes and again answering any questions raised by the school children or their teachers.
Gallen’s efforts were certainly appreciated by the students and schools he attended, with his visits a part of the Sharks on-going attempt to interact with the local Sutherland Shire community.