This week the Hawks are in Tasmania as part of the 2011 Telstra AFL Community Camp.
Day three saw the players kick-off the season with the Tassie Hawks 2011 Season Launch Breakfast, as well as getting active with numerous community groups across Tassie.
Launceston A
Day three saw the boys head to the beautiful Cataract Gorge in Launceston where they participated in rock climbing and abseiling with Girl Guides of Tasmania.
Around 70 Guides greeted the players and led them up the zig-zag track to a rock climbing and abseiling point. Travis Tuck, Kyle Cheney and Nathan Ahmat-Watkins mastered the rock climbing while Grant Birchall, Angus Litherland, Luke Bruest and Stephen Gilham were all brave enough to abseil the 15 metres down into the gorge.
In the afternoon the group ventured to Civic Square in the heart of Launceston for a Citiprom event. The players started off by competing in a tug-of-war with some local firefighters followed by a number of small games including volleyball and basketball. The 150 in attendance were all very excited to get photos and autographs with the players.
Stephen Gilham helps a Girl Guide up the hill.
The players take on the local firefighters during a tug-of-war match.
Launceston B
First up in the morning the group headed to Patterson Street Hall to join in activities with 20 kids run by Youth on Patterson and Whitelion.
Tim Keogh from YOP held a drumming session with some budding musicians who are part of Launceston’s youth rock bands. Michael Osborne and Ryan Schoenmakers had the rhythm in their bones and enjoyed the drumming lessons. The rest of the group gave some skill tips of kicking and handballing to the young kids in Civic Square.
Next stop was out to the Cressy pool in Cressy, a small country town in Northern Tasmania. The pool was packed with 250 kids for a school holiday activity day; they enjoyed volleyball, cricket, downball, and pool games with seven of the Hawks players. Michael Osbourne, Ryan Shoenmakers, Paul Puopolo, and Stephen Gillham cooled off in the pool before it was time to head back to Launceston.
Michael Osborne and Jordan Lewis have a game of cricket with the kids at the Cressy pool.
Devonport
It was up early for day three with the group visiting the Devonfield Enterprises Program which is set up to promote independence and acceptance of people with disabilities.
The players joined in activities with the clients playing Wii fit, pool and a bit of footy.
Jarryd Morton and Brad Sewell also enjoyed cooking up a breakfast feast of pancakes with the residents!
Jarryd Morton and Brad Sewell cooking some pancakes with the residents of Devonfield.
Hobart
Day three saw the Hobart group split up across the state. The 16 players in the south joined Hawks President Jeff Kennett, CEO Stuart fox, Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings, other ministers, local council representatives from across the State and Hawks supporters at the 2011 Season Launch Breakfast.
It was the first time new captain Luke Hodge addressed supporters for the season and provided a valuable insight into the pre-season and his experiences on Community Camp so far.
After breakfast, one group hit the road headed to the Woodfield adventure centre for some fun on the ropes course and water slide.
The second group visited the Ronald McDonald House in Hobart where families are accommodated while their children are in hospital.
Luke Hodge, Clinton Young and Tom Murphy ventured over to the hospital to surprise Bronte Westcombe, an avid Hawks supporter, who unfortunately has spent three weeks in the childrens’ ward.
The Club worked with the RMH and the family to organize a secret visit, with Bronte elated with surprise when Hodgey walked into her room.
After spending some time with the kids and families, the group ventured to Launceston to prepare for the intra-club match at Aurora Stadium.
The Club has enjoyed an exciting few days in Hobart, meeting some truly inspiring people.
Thanks to all of those who were involved in the activities and we look forward to coming back again soon.
Luke Hodge, Clinton Young and Tom Murphy make a surprise visit to Bronte Westcombe at the Ronald McDonald House.
Clinton Young having some fun in the playroom at the Ronald McDonald House.
Read the day one wrap article.
Read the day two wrap article.
Return to the 2011 Community Camp page.
Follow the Hawks in Tassie with updates as they happen - follow us on twitter and like us on facebook.
