Local residents and businesses have been urged to pledge funds so that some East Timorese athletes can visit Casey next year. President Berwick Chamber of Commerce Michael Hall, Jan Trezise of Friends of Ermera, Casey mayor Neil Lucas, fundraising chairman Cr Mick Morland, president Cranbourne Lions Club Michael Shepherdson, chair of the Edwin Flack Games Kay Vrieze, representative Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce Heather Wallace and president Rotary Club of Berwick Tim Moore.By Rebecca Fraser
Local residents and businesses have been urged to help give some East Timorese athletes the chance of a lifetime and help them visit Casey next year.
A fundraising committee has now been formed to try and raise at least $31,000 to bring about 30 officials and athletes to the City of Casey’s Edwin Flack Games next June.
Oatlands Ward councillor and fundraising chairman Mick Morland said local businesses and service clubs would be asked to pledge $500 or more and whatever they could afford to bring the athletes to Australia.
Cr Morland said they would probably end up needing closer to $50,000 by the time passports, visas and uniforms were accounted for but payment would not be required until April or May.
He added that all local businesses would be invited to a dinner hosted by the mayor in November, thanked and advertised in the local media and would also have the opportunity to attend functions and meet the athletes during their two week stay.
Cr Morland said it was important that the athletes felt comfortable when they arrived in Australia and had the correct clothing and spending money.
“We don’t want them to come out and feel like tokens or feel second rate,” he said.
“We want them to have the right shoes and a few changes of clothing and some spending money.
“We don’t want them to have to stand back while other people are buying things and feel uncomfortable.
“This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for these people.
“They might not win but it gives them the opportunity to make friends and experience things they would never get a chance to otherwise,” he said.
President of the Berwick Chamber of Commerce Michael Hall has already expressed his support.
“Australia has always had a close association with East Timor particularly since World War II when they helped Australian soldiers fighting over there,” Mr Hall said.
“There has been a real partnership since they (East Timor) gained independence and we have basically travelled through the best and worst times together.
“It is only fitting that we help the country get off the ground and establish an even closer relationship and what better place than to start with the children,” he said.
Jan Trezise of Friends of Ermera said sport was important to the East Timorese culture.
“Having been to East Timor I have seen that sport is very important, as is music,” she said.
“I have seen them play games with almost nothing and have seen them kick around with whatever they can find.
“Many local schools have been raising funds so they can buy sporting equipment such as soccer balls, basketballs and volley balls.
“It would be wonderful if they could come over and meet some of the local schools here too,” she said.
Anyone interested in making a pledge can contact Angie Vrieze at the City of Casey on 9705 5200.
President of the Cranbourne Lions Michael Shepherdson said the project would also bring many benefits to Casey.
“It is important that we help those that are less fortunate than us.
“East Timor has been through more than what most people in Australia have even been through and it would be of great benefit to talk to these people and understand what they have been through,” he said.
