OVER 250 past, present and future stars of rugby league laced up their boots and hit the “Sandpit” at Lake Cathie on Saturday, 8 November, raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention.
In its inaugural year running in Camden Haven, the Legends of League event featured seven games of rugby league, with an aim to start conversations around mental health and raise funds for suicide prevention charity R U OK?.
According to organisers, more than $8000 was raised on the day.
Fourteen teams competed in the event, with players travelling from as far as the Central West and Queensland to take the field in junior and senior divisions.
The awareness event was set in motion when Tom Roth and Dan Lamb, who have run Legends of League events in the Central West for the past several years, reached out to their former teammate Trever Campbell.
Trever then shared the concept with the Laurieton Stingrays Committee, who were more than happy to support the initiative.
Once information about the event reached the community, several organisations also offered their support, including Rick and Tash from Healthy Hub Connect.
For local league player Jordan Thompson, the event held special significance.
“For some people today is a great day to either play or watch football (rugby league),” said Jordan.
“While for other people it’s about the family members and friends who sadly are no longer here.
“That is who my jersey represents.”
Stingrays President Jarryd “Kiwi” Gaskin, co-organiser of the Camden Haven Legends of League event, said, “Today is all about spreading the message.
“Once we started to advertise the event I was overwhelmed by the number of messages we received, especially with how many players wanted to jump on board.
“I didn’t realise how many locals were struggling with their mental wellbeing or how big this problem is in our community.
“I was shocked.
“Hopefully everyone enjoyed themselves and the day sent out the message that it is OK to speak up and ask for help.
“Don’t stay quiet and let things build up but instead have a yarn to a mate.”
By Kim AMBROSE
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