The sun shone, the balls gleamed and faces smiled all over Concord Bowls Club on Friday 27th November for Best Buddies Day 2009. After the torrential rains of last years event at Luna Park we were all happy to slip, slop, slap whilst bowling barefoot and sipping icy lemonade and cordial.
More than 150 people attended the day including buddy pairs from 7 schools participating in the program - Kellyville High, Airds High, Sir Joseph Banks High, Fairvale High, Marrickville High, Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Campus and Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt Campus. Other guests included Mr Henry Whinstone and Mr Tim O'Halloran from Mr Paul Lynch's Office, Mr Andrew Constance -Shadow Minister for Disabilities, Best Buddies Ambassador Ms Deborah Hutton, Naomi Simson - Chief Experience Officer Redballoon and Genevieve Clay - Tropfest Winner 2009 ('Be My Brother.')
Whilst a friendly interschool bowling competition took place on the field the tunes were spinned by our guest DJ Alastair and magicians roamed the greens delighting and charming with their tales and tricks. Meanwhile, wafts drifted across of a fabulous sizzling BBQ being prepared by our ever smiling and friendly volunteers from Redballoon - Naomi, Megan, Kate, Alice, Taran, Thi and Casey. It wasn't long before the hordes descended and consumed sangers, chicken, salads and rolls!
After lunch Michael Bartells (Board Member Best Buddies) formally thanked various supporters and introduced Naomi Simson to present the finalists of the Buddy Pair of the Year Award. The air of tension mounted noticeably as schools cheered their representatives. Then the winning pair was announced...congratulations Jurgen & Owen from Sydney Secondary College - Leichhardt Campus! Their prize is a Helicopter Ride over Sydney courtesy of our sponsors Redballoon! For more on the winning pair and why they won click here.
After official proceedings more bowling, cake eating and general hilarity took place... until gradually our visitors bid farewell.
Thankyou to everyone that attended our day, everyone that has supported us through the year and to each buddy pair that commits to seeing each other through our program. We like to say at Best Buddies that we put the 'social' into Social Inclusion and we certainly proved it on Friday!
Report by Natalie Bishop - Program Manager.
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Michael from SJB getting into the bowling groove.
Redballoon provided a sizzling lunch.
Brea & Danielle having fun in the sun.
Custom made cupcakes - thanks Redballoon! |
