Big local Indigenous names such as former A-League star Mark Bridge and world boxing champ Daniel “the real deal’’ Geale will be taking part in the inaugural Dharawal Cup tomorrow at Ron Dine Memorial Reserve, Camden.
Geale, will run on for the Indigenous Invitation over 45s side in the Golden Oldies match. They will face a Camden Tigers over 45s team and will be playing for the Reconciliation Cup.
Mark Bridge will be part of the Indigenous Invitation side that will play for the Dharawal Cup in the main match against the Camden Tigers NPL side at 5pm.
The inaugural Dharawal Cup festival of football, which is set to become an annual event, has received the blessing of Indigenous elders Ivan Wellington of Campbelltown and Aunty Joyce Mate of Camden.
“As an Aboriginal mentor I think all sports are really good for our young people,’’ Aunty Joyce said today from her home in Narellan.
“I am looking forward to seeing lots of people tomorrow at Ron Dine Memorial Reserve.’’
Both Aunty Joyce and Uncle Ivan will be taking part in the formalities tomorrow, including raising of flags, Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.
Phil Dotti, the director of the Camden Tigers Indigenous Football Program (IFP) says the feedback so far on the Dharawal Cup initiative has been outstanding.
“People from all over Sydney and NSW are asking, how can we help out, this is fantastic,’’ he says.
“It will get bigger and bigger every year, this is only the first one.’’
Sponsors galore have come on board, including Camden Council and local companies such as Duffy Law Group.
Local mayor and councillors, state and federal MPs and Aboriginal leaders will be represented at the Dharawal Cup day.
As well as three games of football, there will also be entertainment for kids, including merry go rounds, face painting and jumping castle.
There will be stalls for paintings, pottery, weaving and also raffles for Aboriginal art.
The Aboriginal Men’s Group will put on a free sausage sizzle and an elders uniting tent will be set up.
Entry to the Ron Dine Memorial reserve will be free.
GAMES SCHEDULE:
2:30pm – Lyre Bird Cup, Camden Tigers NPL U16s v Indigenous Invitation.
4:00pm – Golden Oldies Reconciliation Cup, Camden Tigers over 45s v Indigenous Invitation over 45s.
5pm – Dharawal Cup, Camden Tigers NPL v Indigenous Invitation.
