Weary Dunlop award winners go to the footy

Eight winners of the ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award and their families had a great night out watching Collingwood beat Brisbane at the MCG on Saturday night. (Click photo for enlargement)

The eight young people and their families were guests of ex Fitzroy player Bill Sykes and Nationals Member for Benalla who initiated and sponsors the ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award.

The Award winners also visited the Lions’ rooms prior to the game and saw all the team warming up. Jason Akermanis and Mal Michaels were the children’s favourites.

“The ‘Weary’ Dunlop, You’ve Got What It Takes Award recognises students who have shown persistence and resilience to overcome challenges and to achieve their goals.

Brisbane Lions co-sponsor the award and this year Collingwood Football Club generously donated 15 tickets.

Bill said, “Everyone had a great night, even those of us who were barracking for the Lions in the midst of the Magpie army."

“I am very grateful to Brisbane for the tickets and for the special opportunity to visit the rooms pre-game. And Collingwood’s support, as a result of one phone call, is tremendous.”

He concluded, “The smiles of delight on the faces of the award winners has convinced me to continue with this award to encourage young people to overcome challenges in their lives to achieve their goals and to become responsible citizens and leaders in our community”.

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