ENTHUSIASTIC kids, supported by the Child Cancer Foundation, are gearing up to meet the Wellington Phoenix face-to-face on Friday morning, ahead of the team’s clash against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon.
All of the special children are currently undergoing treatment to fight childhood cancer, and for many of them the chance to meet their football stars is a dream come true.
The little footy fans will be escorted to Newtown Park at 11.45am on Friday to meet with the players and watch their training session. Some of the kids and their parents have also been given free tickets by the Wellington Phoenix to attend the game at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.
“These kids have been through some really tough times lately and many of them are forced to travel back and forth to Auckland or Christchurch for life-saving treatments. It-s nice to be able to show them how brave we think they are by offering them a fun opportunity like this. They will get a great deal of pleasure from meeting the players and watching them play,” said Amanda Nicolle, Fundraising Manager – Central Division, Child Cancer Foundation.
Wellington Phoenix FC is a supporter of the Child Cancer Foundation and a sponsor of the Kicks for Courage initiative – a football-based fundraising programme which is currently being piloted in primary and intermediate schools around the country. Kicks for Courage aims to get Kiwi kids involved in football at school while at the same time helping to raise money to support kids with cancer and their families.
Friday, September 12, is Kicks for Courage Day, where participating school pupils will get to show off their football skills in a series of fun events and activities organised by the individual schools, then gather sponsorship to support the Child Cancer Foundation.
As well as the Wellington Phonenix, Kicks for Courage is supported by partners Hyundai, Lufthansa, Nike, Push Play, Sony and NZ Football. Visit the website at www.kicksforcourage.co.nz
About the Child Cancer Foundation
The Child Cancer Foundation is a not-for profit charity that provides practical and emotional support to children with cancer, their families, and the health professionals who care for them. The Foundation supports 22 branches throughout the country and receives no government funding, or funding from other cancer support agencies. The Foundation provides support for health professionals and contributes financially to research initiatives. It also focuses on providing support and information to families upon diagnosis and throughout their journey with cancer. The Child Cancer Foundation works as advocates on behalf of both specific individuals and all families suffering childhood cancer. The vision is that no child or their family walking the childhood cancer journey should ever feel alone.
About Kicks for Courage
Kicks for Courage is a football-based fundraising initiative currently being piloted in primary and intermediate schools in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Teachers assist pupils to set a football-related goal then help them to learn and practice that specific goal (as well as other football skills and knowledge) throughout Term 3. On September 12, national Kicks for Courage Day, each child has the opportunity to try out their new skills and techniques in return for sponsorship pledges. 20% of the money raised through Kicks for Courage goes back to the participating school, and the rest goes to supporting the Child Cancer Foundation.
