By Melissa Wu (NSWIS Athlete, Diving)
Having little knowledge of
the game of NRL, I was surprised and quite anxious to be asked to
participate in a kicking competition during the half-time break of
last Friday night's game between the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs. The
kicking competition was held for Camp Quality, one of Australia's
most respected charity organisations. The partnership between Camp
Quality and the Bulldogs allowed two Camp Quality children to join
with former Bulldogs players Hazem El Masri and Daryl Halligan as
well as Camp Quality ambassadors such as my diving partner
Alexandra Croak and myself in the kicking contest.
I was delighted to be
involved in the Camp Quality event, but I must admit that my nerves
were hard to control when it came down to actually kicking the
football. With absolutely no kicking practise under my belt, I felt
quite unprepared, but was able to enjoy being involved in helping a
great cause knowing that I didn't have the usual pressure of
competition. I don't think I have ever felt so out of place as I
did standing in front of thousands of people holding a
football!
Moments before the big moment
of kicking the footy, I suddenly felt a strange feeling come over
me and realised that I believed that there was no way I would be
able to do it. Being outside my usual comfort zone of a platform
ten metres above water, I actually panicked a little bit and
couldn't believe that I was so unsure of myself. I then became
aware of the fact that kicking the football was a big deal to me
and to actually kick it through the goals would be meaningful. At
this point I began to comprehend the real meaning of being involved
in a charity event. I needed to demonstrate positive thinking and
optimism for all the Camp Quality kids watching that night. So,
wearing a bright green Camp Quality t-shirt, I decided to embrace
the charity's belief that laughter is the best medicine, and I had
fun achieving a feat that I was terrified of - kicking the football
into the goals!
I really enjoyed taking part
in the kicking competition and it is a privilege to be nominated to
contribute to such a significant cause. It was great to see the
Camp Quality campers enjoy themselves too and I think they got a
lot out of mixing with their fellow kickers. The event provided an
opportunity for the children to be a part of something special and
to also have fun. Through the short half-time segment that I took
part in, I can see why the partnership between the Bulldogs and
Camp Quality is so important for the children and families
involved. Having fun is essential and events such as the kicking
contest embody the spirit of both the Bulldogs and the Camp Quality
organisation.