Just over 2,500 students were taken through the SHINE program in 2012, delivering the program to 26 Gold Coast primary schools.
GC SUNS players assist in the six-hour program by running educational classes over a four-week period, forming an integral part of the Club’s continuous work in the community.
Each student who participates in the program receives a free colour booklet, and is invited to a mini-carnival at Metricon Stadium at the end of the course, where students then to meet with some of their favourite GC SUNS players.
GC SUNS young guns Jaeger O’Meara, Tom Lynch and Sam Day are among of a number of leading players that attended an internal SHINE training course today, where players were educated on the importance of the program’s key messages before visiting the schools later this year.
O’Meara is excited to be taking part in the SHINE program, and is looking forward to contributing to the GC SUNS community efforts in 2013.
“The players and I are looking forward to jumping on board this year, and really making sure the kids are aware of the benefits of healthy eating, and keeping active.”
The Shine program is delivered via a three-way partnership between the GC SUNS, Gold Coast City Council and AFL Queensland, and also receives financial assistance to fund the program through the generous support of both the Queensland Government and McDonald’s Gold Coast.
GC SUNS Community Manager – Corey Bell, said the community initiative had become one of the GC SUNS strongest community programs, and was looking forward to delivering the SHINE schools program for a third consecutive year.
“The encouraging feedback that we have received from the schools demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in educating these students on the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Bell.
“The GC SUNS are proud that the community program is assisting in the development of their (students) skills and knowledge, and will certainly be looking to take the SHINE program to even greater heights this year.”
The GC SUNS will kick-start the 2013 SHINE program on Thursday 28 February, visiting a total of 5 schools on the day.
To register your class or school for the SHINE schools program contact GC SUNS Community Programs Officer Ryan Davey at ryan.davey@goldcoastfc.com.au
