While the excitement in and around the NRL game on Saturday night was high, as the Sharks battled the Bulldogs looking to lock down a top two finish to the season and a home semi-final, there was also plenty going on for the Sharks Have Heart team at the game, during the week leading up and behind the scenes.
During what was a dedicated Shark Have Heart Community Round, where the NRL team played in specially designed jerseys, the Club’s community engagement was celebrated and recognised.
A number of Sharks Have Heart instigated initiatives took place, with the Club having numerous touchpoints with a variety of individuals and community groups, during a week which highlighted the outstanding work carried out and difference the Sharks can make.
Early in the week Nicho Hynes was announced as the Sharks nominee for the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal, the game’s most prestigious community award.
Hynes, who makes a major contribution to community causes, both club arranged and through his own interests and relationships, would be looking to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo Mulitalo, the 2021 Ken Stephen Medal winner.
Following on from that announcement, on Wednesday of last week a delegation of Sharks representatives, including Management, Board and staff, assembled at Wanda in assisting Sutherland Shire Lifeguards and council staff with a beach clean up in giving back to the local community which gives us so much.
Following the recent run of wild weather, the Cronulla beaches were littered with driftwood and debris, with the morning clean up attended by up to 20 from the Sharks.
To read more about the beach clean-up - CLICK HERE
Postponed on Wednesday then conducted on Thursday, was a free Mega Jaws clinic, where our friends from Civic disability services were invited to participate in a free footy-based clinic at PointsBet Stadium. Mega Jaws clinics run by Sharks Have Heart aim to make rugby league and the Cronulla Sharks accessible to everyone. All participants and staff had a blast.
Sharks Have Heart runs Mega Jaws for adults and children, with the next clinics to take place in October. To see our gallery from the event - CLICK HERE
Also on Thursday, Sharks at Kareela and Sharks Have Heart joined other registered clubs from around the local area at Cronulla RSL to distribute funds to community organisations and programs through the ClubGRANTS program.
The Sharks handed out grants to Wheelchair Rugby League, Skillz4me and the Morris Children's fund on behalf the Bates Drive School. These donations will enable all three recipients to continue the outstanding work they do.
Read more about the Sharks contribution to the ClubGRANTS program - CLICK HERE
Then on Friday morning at Sharks at Kareela, Jessica Macartney delivered the Sharks Have Heart strategy launch for 2023 to 2026.
The strategy as revealed, will fine tune the focus of Sharks Have Heart to deliver strong social impact in the Sutherland Shire with four signature programs planned, including an exciting new offering for primary schools and an expanded volunteers program.
There will also be many more Heartfelt moments and four 'From the Heart' giving partners selected each season to elevate the causes of charitable organisations.
Last week three Heartfelt Moments were carried out and captured by Sharks Media.
CLICK HERE to watch Abby be surprised by Jack Williams and Sione Katoa CLICK HERE for Finlay’s Heartfelt moment when Cam McInnes and Jack Williams visited him at Aspect School at Aquinas.
And CLICK HERE to see Luke’s shock at meeting Dale Finucane and Sifa Talakai at the Taren Point Junior League club.
All three were also involved in game day activities last weekend, with Abby tossing the coin pregame for the two captains, Fin sounded the Shark Alarm ahead of the players running out onto the field and Luke joined Wade Graham in leading the team onto PointsBet Stadium prior to kick off.
Also on Game Day all 13 Cronulla-Sutherland JRL clubs paraded before the main game, before the Inaugural Clash of the Codes relay at half time, involving five sporting associations from the Sutherland Shire, Sharks Netball showed the competition a clean pair of heels in taking away the winners cheque for $2000, provided by Sharks Have Heart.
While in capping off the week, the NRL squad agreed to put their match-worn jerseys up for auction, with all proceeds going towards Sharks Have Heart in enabling the continuation of their support of community programs and initiatives.
The jersey auction closes tomorrow, September 1 - CLICK HERE to find out more or to make a bid.
It was a massive week for Sharks Have Heart and for the Cronulla Sharks in confirming our reputation and commitment as the ‘Community Club’ as we utilise the profile of our players, the Game and our Club to create social impact and bring about meaningful change.
