Mario Fenech on board with friends : photo Michael Tyrpenou/Surfing NSW

Surf Culture

Indigenous kids from bush have big day at the beach

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 25 June, 2009 : - - Maroubra, NSW -- A group of indigenous children, from the state’s north-west, today had a day they’ll never forget, learning to surf and meeting their heroes.

Beginning with a session with the NRL’s One Community, entitled “Eat Well, Play Well, Stay Well”, presented by Rugby League legend Mario Fenech, the kids were afforded the opportunity to attend South Sydney First Grade Training Session – a dream for many of the disadvantaged youths.

Culminating with a surfing lesson, in which Fenech took the main stage, the day was focussed upon promoting healthy lifestyles and educating positive lifestyle choices. “It was a magical day all around,” Fenech said after his first ever-surfing lesson.

Hailing from Brewarrina, a small town 800 kilometres north-west of Sydney, the group of approximately 20 children made the long trip down to Sydney to meet their rugby league heroes and try their hand at surfing for the first time. “Sending out the message of “Eat Well, Play Well, Stay Well” is very important for these children,” Fenech continued.

 
Happy camper : photo Michael Tyrpenou/Surfing NSW

“If we can make a difference in just one persons life days like today are definitely worthwhile.” Selected on their school attendance and good conduct around town today was a break from their sometimes troublesome life as most of the children had never before seen the ocean, let alone stand on a board. “Surfing is not easy,” Fenech stated.

“It’s a great fitness workout and a lot of fun, so I’m committed to take lessons and keep learning how to surf.” With a different theme for each day of the week during the National Drug Action Week, Wednesday is fittingly entitled “Indigenous People/ Rural Australia”

An initiative coordinated by the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), and supported by the Department of Health and Ageing, Drug Action Week aims to raise awareness about the full range of issues.

The National Drug Action Week runs from 21-27 June 2009. For more information regarding the No-Way Out Campaign Foundation please visit thenowaycampaign.com

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Michael Tyrpenou

Surf Culture - Surfersvillage