Steven Salopek, Shaun Burgoyne, Peter Burgoyne, Brendon Lade and Michael Pettigrew have all turned November into Movember, doing their best Merv Hughes impersonation and aiming to raise money for men’s health. You can donate here.
While the Mo-bros have been raising money, all of our players have been raising awareness as part of White Ribbon Day. Our entire squad trained in all white on November 25 to show their support for the cause. The White Ribbon Foundation aims to eliminate violence against women by changing the attitude of Australian men. Power Coach Mark Williams and General Manager – Football Operations Peter Rohde have both signed up as ambassadors and with the support of the Club, will continue to act as role models and mentors for men, especially in the local community.
Nathan Krakouer and Marlon Motlop were also doing their bit as role models, visiting Kintore a remote area in Western Australia as part of the Red Dust program. The program uses the profile and influence of positive role models, such as Nathan and Marlon, to deliver healthy messages and promote healthy lifestyle decisions among remote, Indigenous youth. Both Nathan and Marlon were well received, and reflected on the trip as character building and rewarding.
Those two boys along with fellow first and second year players Travis Boak, Mitch Farmer, Robbie Gray, Matt Lobbe, Nick Salter, Paul Stewart and the Westhoff brothers ventured to Roxby Downs to celebrate the town’s 20th birthday and the announcement BHP Billiton has agreed to continue its support of the Power Community Youth Program for another three years. In a great team-bonding exercise, the players engaged with the local community during a training session as well as with a range of activities. The Power’s community program will continue to expand in 2009, with the club planning visits to a number of regional centres including Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Ceduna and Port Lincoln.
And now back to the cricket. A wicket has just been taken and it’s T.Chaplin c. B.D.Lade b. S.K.Warne for a duck. That’s right, Warney’s struck again, and this time it’s our players he’s been mesmerizing. After speaking at the final Vodafone Power Business Series Luncheon for 2008 at the Entertainment Centre – where he discussed his incredible international career and his life off-field – Warne got cricket wannabes Brett Ebert, Steven Salopek, Troy Chaplin, Brendon Lade and Michael Pettigrew to pad up for an over against his world renowned leg spin.
Having seen media manager Daniel Norton reverse sweep Warne first ball (and receive a barrage of sledging), Salopek, Chaplin and Pettigrew struggled with the bat, before Lade and Ebert showed the way with some big hits over cow corner. It was then time for our players to have the tables turned on them, as they hovered around the great man looking for signatures on their mini-bats and Australian playing shirts.
And last but by no means least, November was capped off with the Honourable Justice Linda Dessau speaking at the final Women in Power event for 2008, a breakfast held at the Sebel Playford. Justice Dessau captured the attention of the sold out crowd with her modest, yet inspiring account of how she juggles work, family and her passion for football in this increasingly fast-paced world. The club was encouraged by the huge success of Women in Power this year and with the help of Female Partner SGIC, plans to expand the program in 2009.
