A RECENT sports equipment drive for the youth of flood affected Rochester has been a great success with donations pouring in from across the region.<\/p>\n
The drive, which was organised by non-for-profit group Sports Focus and run during December, asked locals to donate old and unwanted sports gear to help keep children and young people active over the holiday period.<\/p>\n
The large amount of donations meant that nearby Gunbower was also able to benefit from the equipment drive.<\/p>\n
The equipment was distributed throughout both towns for people to go help themselves to whenever they want, whether for a hit of tennis or a kick of the footy.<\/p>\n
Sports Focus project coordinator Jasmine Noske said those who donated went above and beyond to help out, with sporting clubs also contributing to the drive.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt went really well we got so, so much equipment, it was really good,\u201d she said. \u201cWe had donations from a number of clubs in the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cBendigo Northern Flames Junior Netball donated 50 netballs, which was amazing. We\u2019ve had cricket pads and basketballs along with everything else you can think of donated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Noske also commended the individual efforts of people in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome people went and bought new equipment to donate, because they didn\u2019t have any old equipment in the shed,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople donated their old favourite tennis racquets and things like that they wanted to see go to good use.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Noske said the Sports Focus team couldn\u2019t be happier with the efforts and contributions of the community in such a trying time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you to everyone who donated and helped make it happen,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really great to see the community pull together and support the Rochester community and support the Rochester kids over the holiday period.\u201d<\/p>\n
Equipment tubs can be located at the Rochester Recreation Reserve, Presbyterian Church tennis\/basketball courts and the Rochester Racecourse Recreation Reserve.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A RECENT sports equipment drive for the youth of flood affected Rochester has been a great success with donations pouring in from across the region. The drive, which was organised by non-for-profit group Sports Focus and run during December, asked locals to donate old and unwanted sports gear to help keep children and young people […]<\/p>\n