In a gesture displaying their outstanding community spirit, Woolooware Bay developers Bluestone Property Solutions have given up their sponsorship position on the Sharks special Indigenous jersey this weekend to RECOGNISE, the campaign set up to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Constitution to remove racial discrimination.
Since confirming a sponsorship arrangement with the Sharks earlier in the 2015 season, Bluestone have featured on the sternum position of the NRL jersey.
This weekend however, on a jersey specially designed by acclaimed Aboriginal artist Daren Dunn, the RECOGNISE ‘R’ will appear in the prominent sponsorship position in support of the extremely significant campaign.
RECOGNISE joint campaign director Tim Gartrell thanked both the Sharks and Bluestone for the excellent example of practical ways in which clubs and sponsors can help to raise awareness.
“It’s great to see Bluestone Property Solutions give up its spot so that the RECOGNISE logo can be front and centre on the Sharks jersey for the week of the NRL Indigenous Round,” Mr Gartrell said.
“This sort of support is crucial to help us lift the visibility of the movement, and to build community awareness ahead of the coming referendum. It’s a wonderful contribution.”
Mr Gartrell said the Sharks and the NRL had been outstanding supporters of the RECOGNISE movement during the season, and especially in this Indigenous Round.
“Wearing the R and having it displayed proudly helps enormously to spread the word about the importance of recognition,” he said. “We’ve seen how important it has been for many remote and regional communities who live and breathe rugby league to see the R and learn more about RECOGNISE ahead of our community relay arriving in their town.
“We say a huge thanks to the Sharks for their support and the many ways in which they have sought to raise awareness of the cause."
Gartrell had no doubt RECOGNISE and the campaign would help bring awareness to the cause.
“Ultimately, the success of this movement will mean that all the players and fans – Indigenous and non-Indigenous together – can stand as one to show their support for Australia to take this next step in reconciliation by adding recognition into the Constitution – and getting the discrimination out. It’s the right thing to do,” he said.
Chris Heighington was one non-indigenous player only too pleased to show off the special jersey, featuring the RECOGNISE ‘R’, in photos taken with referee Gavin Badger. (See home page photo and photograph below).
Also planned as a part of the Sharks game day activities are a touch football game between the NSW Indigenous All Stars versus Shire All Stars, the PCYC Footy Fever Cup, a Welcome to Country from Col Hardy and a Digeridoo performance from Sharks NYC player Jaden Clarke.
Sutherland Heart Clinic, the match day sponsors, will also be holding a relay at half time of the main game.
The Sharks v Cowboys main game kicks off at 5.30pm, with the Indigenous Round festivities to take place from conclusion of the NYC match at around 4.45pm.
To learn more about Recognise, go to the following link - CLICK HERE
The Cronulla Sharks Round 22 ‘Indigenous Round’ clash with the North Queensland Cowboys is proudly brought to you by Sutherland Heart Clinic.
