Above: By Jim Mynard
CONNOLLY Games committee co-president Bob Muir has foreshadowed an enormous task before the organising committee to send 120 people to America for the second Connolly Games at Springfield, Ohio, next year.
However, Mr Muir promised a wonderful experience for those young people selected to go on the sporting and cultural tour.
He said during the Connolly games information night on Wednesday, 1 August, that the group would be away for 10 days in June-July, and besides sport would visit theme parks, including Disneyland.
Competitors in the games are non-professional athletes from Years 10, 11 and 12 aged 16 – 18 who either live in the City of Casey or are a member of a sporting organisation that is based in the City of Casey at the time of the exchange in July 2008.
Co-president Kay Vrieze said young people aged 16 to 18 would be on the sporting teams and would experience a different culture.
“Food will be different and they will see 16 year olds with a driving licence and people under 21 not allowed to drink alcohol,” she said.
“Tour members will be asked to contribute about $4000 for the trip with a $350 deposit.
“We will also have a selection process because of specific numbers on the various teams.
“However we will be seeking sponsorship and will hold fundraisers to alleviate the cost.”
Casey community development team leader Lisa Speirs said the council was supporting the tour and would provide a banking facility.
“The council will establish an account and team members will be given a number and the amount of money gained from fund raising credited to their account,” she said.
Ms Speirs said once the teams were selected gatherings would be arranged so that people got to know each other.
“This is a great opportunity for young people to be involved in an exciting event,” she said.
Ms Speirs said one athlete from the last trip was selected to study at an American university.
