The Geelong Cats is proud to partner with the Geelong Advertiser and the innovative Step Back. Think team with the aim to change behaviour that will prevent more young people from losing their lives to street violence.
Players will don bright orange Just Think warm up guernseys to raise awareness around street violence.
The Just Think campaign originated in 2008 after Tom Harley, David Wojcinski and James Kelly watched a story on 60 Minutes featuring James Macready Bryan, a young Cats fan who was assaulted in Melbourne on his birthday. Disappointed by the increase in alcohol related violence in Geelong, the players joined forces with the Geelong Advertiser and Just Think was born.
The program has gone from strength to strength. In round 9, 2009, Geelong players united, taking the field sporting a unique look. The fluorescent orange shoelaces worn by the Cats were also sported by local Geelong football leagues in the weeks following the game. In 2010, this was supported by the players wearing Just Think orange themed run out tees during their warm up, which continued to increase awareness of the campaign and draw attention to Just Think message.
Just Think encourages people to make better decisions when consuming alcohol to ensure everyone returns home safely after a night out.
Campaign ambassador James Kelly has seen first hand the effects of this issue in Geelong. “What people don’t seem to understand is that such violent acts not only affect the individual directly, but their family and friends who care for them,” Kelly said.
You too can support the cause, buy the Geelong Advertiser on Friday and proudly wear your bright orange Just Think wrist band.
See http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/justthink/main and http://stepbackthink.org/
