Celebrating the community in Sharks Have Heart Round
Community spirit will unite the crowd at Saturday night's Sharks Have Heart Round match against the Warriors, highlighting the Cronulla club's commitment to making a genuine difference.
As well as representing the club's community department, Sharks Have Heart is a registered foundation which strives to advance progress in key areas including equality, inclusion, cultural understanding, health and education.
Proceeds from the 50-50 Charity Raffle at Sharks Stadium this weekend will support Sharks Have Heart's signature programs such as One Heart (anti-racism), Equal Access (disability) and Deadly Choices (Indigenous health).
We understand the club is an integral part of the Sutherland Shire community, and we have a privileged position to use our standing and platform to positively impact our fans and supporters...
Vinh Tran, Sharks Head of Community
Community activations will feature heavily on game day, including a lap of honour and a half-time relay race involving all 12 Cronulla Junior Rugby League clubs, a performance from the Stellar Mermaids – made up of Stellar Experiences disability clients – and appearances from Shire locals and Sharks program participants.
"I couldn't be prouder of the work the Sharks Have Heart team and the whole club do in the community. We deliver a range of programs and experiences to create genuine and meaningful change," Sharks Head of Community Vinh Tran said.
"We understand the club is an integral part of the Sutherland Shire community, and we have a privileged position to use our standing and platform to positively impact our fans and supporters, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances.
"All our players are wonderful ambassadors for the club and how they connect with the community is so genuine and authentic. This close connection creates a tremendous and unique community spirit in and around the club."
Sharks Have Heart is proudly supported by Quest Apartment Hotels, the official community partner of the Sharks.
Meet the team behind the impact
Alongside Tran and Community Engagement Manager Luke Koutrodimos, NRLW stars Emma Verran, Jada Taylor and Caitlan Johnston-Green are key Sharks Have Heart team members.
Verran is the club's Equal Access Program lead, ensuring footy is accessible for everyone through specialised clinics and initiatives like Score Sharks – the club's all-abilities team – and Mega Waves, a skills program for students with disabilities.
"I love seeing the positive impact that our programs have on members of the Sutherland Shire community," NSW and Jillaroos representative Verran said.
"I'm a big believer in inclusion and equity and love seeing everyone have the chance to engage with not only the game of rugby league, but also our Sharks family."
Taylor holds the role of Indigenous Programs Coordinator. She presents Deadly Choices messaging to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the local area, encouraging them to prioritise their wellbeing and embrace their culture.
"What I love most about delivering the Deadly Choices program is seeing the kids light up when they connect with their culture and start making healthy choices," Taylor said.
"It's so rewarding watching them grow in confidence, have fun and step up as little leaders in their school and community!"
A new addition, Johnston-Green fills the position of Community Programs Coordinator. Since her move from Newcastle, Johnston-Green has immersed herself in the local community through coaching clinics and Indigenous youth programs while becoming a leading voice for the One Heart program.
"I am most proud of seeing so many smiling faces after Sharks Have Heart positively impacts so many people in the Sutherland Shire and wider community," Koutrodimos said.
"The work Sharks Have Heart does is always focussed on the community/grassroots level and how we, as a club, can always go above and beyond to help others and change lives."
Driving positive change
Sharks Have Heart's reach extends to Heartfelt Moments – gestures of goodwill designed to uplift those doing it tough – while also providing a platform for other impactful not-for-profit groups and a raft of local sporting organisations.
Player involvement is a key aspect of Sharks Have Heart's success, with the NRL and NRLW squads helping to drive home important messages and raise spirits.
Cronulla's reputation as the 'community club' was underscored last year when halfback Nicho Hynes won the prestigious NRL Ken Stephen Medal for his tireless off-field endeavours, particularly in the mental health space.
Hynes followed in the footsteps of teammate Ronaldo Mulitalo, who received the honour in 2021. The NRLW squad is also active on the community front, with several players employed as disability support workers and in Indigenous health.
How you can support Sharks Have Heart
- Make a tax-deductible donation ($2+) to Sharks Have Heart via the Australian Sports Foundation – perfect timing near the end of financial year!
- Buy 50-50 Charity Raffle tickets at the game or online.
- Secure your tickets for the Sharks v Warriors NRL blockbuster
CLICK HERE for more on Sharks Have Heart's range of programs and clinics.
