“Benny was a real competitor on the paddock, always gave his all and absolutely loved the game of rugby league. He was always a joker and a really loveable guy, we all miss him so much.’’
Benny was Ben Stevens, a young rugby league player, who tragically took his own life at the age of 22.
East Campbelltown Eagles, one of the local clubs he played with – the others were Macarthur Saints, Western Suburbs Magpies and Campbelltown City – have been determined to do whatever they can to prevent the Ben Stevens tragedy from ever happening again.
“We want young rugby league players to know that if they are ever in the same situation as Ben was there is help out there,’’ says Daniel Draper from East Campbelltown Eagles.
Since Ben Stevens’ passing in 2012 the club has joined forces with headspace in Campbelltown to create awareness of programs offering help and advice to young people in difficulty.
Headspace provides mental health services to young people aged 12-25 living in Campbelltown and surrounding areas.
Every year since the passing of Ben Stevens, the East Campbelltown Eagles play in the Ben Stevens Memorial Game against Western Suburbs Magpies to raise funds and awareness for headspace.
This year the Ben Stevens Memorial game between East Campbelltown Eagles and Western Suburbs Magpies will be played on Sunday, July 30 July at Waminda Oval.
But there’s more this year: a 15 minute film will be part of the Ben Stevens commemoration in 2017.
The film’s premiere will be at a special fundraiser night at Tabcorp Menangle on Friday, July 21.
“There’s a few reasons for the film,’’ says Daniel Draper.
“The main one is that we wanted to ensure money we raised every year stayed here in Campbelltown to help our young people.
“The film, which was professionally produced by Francly Speaking, depicts Ben as a young man, a teenager.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Ben’s friends and family here at the club are using his memory to teach our current young players about life and that there’s help out there if they ever need it,’’ Mr Draper said.[/social_quote]
If you’d like to attend the Ben Stevens film showing night on Friday, July 21 at Tabcorp Menangle, tickets are $100 per person, with proceeds going to headspace Campbelltown.
The ticket includes a two course meal, beer, wine and soft drinks.
The night starts from 6.30pm.
“This is a night to raise funds for a cause that supports our community,’’ Mr Draper said.
For tickets or enquiries call Daniel Draper on 0425 335 345 or visit the club’s Facebook page here.
