- 2nd Stay Kind Cup to be played this Easter Monday 2 April at Stadium Australia between Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels;
- The round is named in memory of Sydney teenager Stuart Kelly;
- The NSW community and rugby league fans of all teams are invited to show their support by attending the game;
- Tickets for the match can be purchased here.
Julian Keith
THE traditional Easter Monday western derby between Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels at Stadium Australia takes on extra importance this weekend with the event having the honour of hosting the Stay Kind Cup.
It is the 2nd year the Stay Kind Cup Match will be played at Stadium Australia in memory of Sydney teenager Stuart Kelly.
The inaugural Stay Kind Cup Match in July last year drew more than 30,000 people to support the worthy cause.
Rugby League fans and the wider community throughout NSW are again invited to take part in the event which aims to promote kindness and respect towards all people.
To mark Stay Kind Day, the Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels will wear Stay Kind on their jerseys for the game. These special edition kits will be auctioned off after the match to raise money for Stay Kind.
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| Image: The Parramatta Eels were winners of the inaugural Stay Kind Cup last year in a thrilling 17-16 win over the Wests Tigers in front of 30,901 fans . . . pictured here with the Kelly family. |
The tragic death of 18-year-old Thomas Kelly, who was king-hit in an unprovoked attack in Sydney’s King Cross in July 2012, is etched in the memory of many Australians. The Kelly family was left devastated again in 2016 when Thomas’ younger brother Stuart took his own life at age 18 following extreme hazing on his first night at university.
The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation, which was formed shortly after Thomas’ death, launched the Stay Kind initiative in memory of Stuart, and in honour of his continued support and kindness to his brother Thomas and to others.
Ralph Kelly, Stuart’s Dad, said: “Stuart was the Parramatta Eels’ No.1 fan while I have always wholeheartedly backed the Tigers. We appreciate the opportunity offered by the NRL and our clubs in remembering and recognising the essence of what Stuart always stood for . . . staying kind.
“What we’re asking people to do is come out and support being Kind and help prevent harm in young people.”
The Kelly family is calling on the community to come together and get behind the initiative and support the round by attending the match.
The Stay Kind Cup Match and Day is proudly supported by the NRL, Channel 9, Wests Tigers and the Parramatta Eels.
STAY KIND
The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation launched the Stay Kind initiative in memory of Stuart Kelly, remembered for his continued support and kindness to his brother Thomas and to others.
Stay Kind is about kindness and respect towards all people, no matter who we are or how different we are.
Stay Kind is about fostering a supportive environment in all aspects of life and community; within your family, sport, work and school.
It can be difficult for a person struggling to reach out for help and support when they need it, that’s why care, compassion and empathy at all times is so important.
As a caring compassionate community, we can help prevent suicide in Australia.
The Foundations aim is to raise awareness of youth suicide and community values through a National Stay Kind Day. Through the Stay Kind initiative the Foundation will promote the prevention of self-harm and suicide by running campaigns that promote better communication, changed behaviours and values for youth and the general community. This will be achieved through awareness initiatives in homes, schools, sporting codes, and the general community.
CALL TO ACTION
Let’s fill Stadium Australia! Tickets available at http://ticketek.com.au/staykind
You can help to expand Stay Kind initiatives for a more caring community through making a donation by texting KIND to 0437 371 371
To find out more go to staykind.org.au
