The Dragons were proud to partner with Squadron Energy to bring the 2024 Community Blitz program to 13 local schools in the Central West region this week.
The three-day program included school visits and clinics run by NRL and NRLW Dragons players and ambassadors in Goolma, Wellington, Dunedoo, Wongarbon, Kandos, Mudgee and Ilford.
The program included a series of interactive workshops for local primary and secondary students centred around the St George Illawarra Dragons’ health and wellbeing program: ‘The Best You Can Be.’
Now in its eighth year, the program focuses on helping students make positive choices around health and wellbeing. The workshops include tips to stay active, how to practice tolerance, respect and inclusiveness, the importance of good sleep, screen time management, hydration and nutrition, as well as the important role we all play taking care of our environment.
Michelle Eather, who is the Relieving Principal of Wellington Public School said the impact of these players coming to the community is enormous for students.
“The Dragons’ messages particularly around mental health and nutrition are so important for our students - who really look up to players like Keele, Tara and Cody. We’d like to thank Squadron Energy and the very best team in the NRL bringing the blitz to Wellington.”
Dragons fullback Cody Ramsey joined NRLW stars Tara McGrath-West and Keele Browne for the sessions across the Central West this week and provided their own personal insights into what helps them stay physically and mentally healthy.
Cody Ramsey, who grew up in Molong, was proud to bring this important initiative to his local community: “To be at a club that does these sorts of things is special,” Cody said.
“It's not the sort of thing that I have to do, it's something that I get to do. It's such a good experience. Because I was one of those country kids I know how much of an impact it makes.
“For Squadron to help us get out to the country and do these sorts of things, it's such a good feeling. We know how much of an impact we will be making for these kids.”
As well as supporting the Red V’s trial match against the Tigers in Mudgee earlier this year, Squadron Energy was delighted to bring this fantastic community program to the Central West – where there is no shortage of Dragons fans!
In collaboration with local sporting clubs, the community blitz also ran two rugby clinics in Wellington and Dunedoo, focusing not only on further developing footy skills but also resilience and respect sessions.
NRLW centre Keele Browne emphasised the club’s focus on fostering a positive culture throughout their community programs.
“Encouraging respect in junior league clubs is really important and it goes a long way having those conversations with the kids, looking at how we can make positive, inclusive and respectful choices,” she said.
The clinics offered local junior clubs the opportunity to train with NRL and NRLW St George Illawarra Dragons team members and ambassadors.
Squadron Energy’s First Nations Engagement Facilitator Justin Toomey-White, who captains and coaches the first grade Wellington Cowboys side, said the clinics were a fantastic opportunity for younger players to train with experts of the game.
“Squadron Energy is committed to the Central-West Orana community and it was fantastic to have the Dragons in the region this week inspiring the next generation to be the best they can be – both on and off the footy field.” In early 2024, Squadron Energy joined forces with the St George Illawarra Dragons and announced a long-term partnership with a focus on community.
The partnership kicked off this year with Squadron Energy joining the Red V as a partner in the ‘under number’ position.
In 2025, Squadron Energy will become the Major Partner of the Dragons’ NRL and NRLW teams.
For more information, email media@squadronenergy.com
