Beaming with joy and laughter, the kids were taken on a guided tour of the Metricon Stadium facilities before taking to the AFL playground to test their skills.
Despite receiving colouring booklets, a personal food diary and heaps of prizes and giveaways, the student’s highlight for the day was meeting and receiving autographs from GC SUNS players Matt Shaw, Seb Tape, Aaron Hall, Jack Hutchins, Steven May and Jeremy Taylor.
The SHINE Carnival is a culmination of a four week program which sees the three program partners, the GC SUNS, Gold Coast City Council and AFL Queensland promote the importance of healthy eating, beach safety and awareness and being actively involved in recreational sport.
The increasingly-popular education program has received overwhelming feedback from teachers and parents, with many schools now including the six-hour program as part of Grade 4 school curriculum.
GC SUNS Community Programs Officer Ryan Davey told goldcoastfc.com.au that the club’s first SHINE Carnival for 2013 had been met with praise from the students.
“Once again it was a great success with students, teachers and parents all having a fantastic experience at Metricon Stadium,” said Davey.
“The SHINE Carnival is always an exciting day for both the students and players, and provides an opportunity for the three program partners (GC SUNS, GCCC and AFLQ) to come together and highlight the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle.”
Davey said that the club was committed to taking the SHINE program to even greater heights this year.
“We have already seen over 420 students enjoy the program this year, and by the end of 2013 over 2,500 students will have been delivered the program,” Davey said.
“It really is a testament to the experienced created from the extremely valuable program.”
Despite the school program being fully-booked for 2013, due to late withdrawals, expressions of interest are still being received.
If you would like to learn more about the program, or request a booking for the SHINE schools program, contact GC SUNS Community Programs Officer Ryan Davey at ryan.davey@goldcoastfc.com.au
