The Listen, Love, Learn Round hosted by the Waterford Rugby League Football Club earlier this month opened the eyes of many around the issue of mental health.
The message delivered was about raising awareness towards all aspects of Mental Health, Anti-Bullying and Teen Suicide Prevention and the game of rugby league was the vessel.
The day was filled with many fun activities for the kids to try; including NRL Footy Show passing challenge supplied by Channel 9 and an almighty 30m long inflatable obstacle course supplied by Brizzy Jumping Castles.
“It is amazing to see so many smiling faces and the continuous laughter coming from obstacle course and passing challenge,” event organisers Ben McDermott and Brad Gough said.
“It is not half obvious they are all having a great time, and that is what this event is about, getting people happy again.”
As well as all of the “fun” activities, the day also saw some amazing speeches, and what made them so amazing was that event organisers encouraged all who attended to be a part of it.
There was a Q&A delivered by NRL State of Mind Ambassador David Shillington who gave great responses to many challenging questions.
He wasn’t alone on the microphone with representatives from three Intrust Super Cup clubs right there beside him; with Luke Page and Jeff Lynch (Burleigh Bears), Mark Beaumont, Leon Panapa and Luke Archer (Souths Logan Magpies) and John Palavi (Norths Devils).
Intrust Super Cup players supported the Listen, Love, Learn event. Photo: Supplied
However, the most powerful speech of the afternoon came from Kodi’s Message founder Quentin Pearson.
Pearson delivered a version of Kodi’s Message to the supporters on hand prior to the commencement of the Under 15 Division 1 game, that saw many of Kodi Pearson’s former team mates playing.
He spoke of love, appreciation of others and mindfulness, however he saved his strongest message for last.
“Think before you speak, text or post, because your words can change the way someone sees themselves and nobody deserves to feel worthless or alone. Suicide is not an option for young kids and we need to help them.”
Quentin’s message spoke to many in the crowd and after his delivery, many people surrounded the Kodi’s Message stand to hear more.
Over the course of the day, the Waterford RLFC saw more than 3000 spectators embrace the message being delivered with event oganisers humbled by the showing of support from not only the events partners, but the community of Logan.
“We have seen many smiling faces, we have all shared tears and sincere embraces, but it is the words of appreciation for the event that have let us know that the message has been received loud and clear, and next year we will be back bigger, better and louder than ever before," McDermott and Gough said.
The Waterford RLFC would like to thank; Diggers Services Club, Greenbank RSL, Brisbane Broncos, NRL State of Mind, Headspace Meadowbrook, Livin, #MTC- Mates, Talk, Change Marsden State High School, Protect Life Insurance, Shine Lawyers, Burleigh Bears, Souths Logan Magpies for their support of Listen, Love Learn Round 2017.
The Kodi's Message stall at the Listen, Love, Learn community event. Photo: Supplied
