The Bulldogs were joined by some very special guests from ASPECT (Autism Spectrum Australia) at Tuesday's (April 2) training session in celebration of World Autism Day and Autism Awareness Month.
Blue sky and sunshine set the scene for a great morning for local students Rodger, Benjamin and Zachary who had a special leave pass from school to pay a special visit to the Bulldogs headquarters in celebration of World Autism Day.
The month of April is dedicated to raising awareness for Autism with April 2 internationally recognised as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in which iconic buildings around the world including the Opera House turn their lights blue!
Around 1 in 100 individuals are diagnosed with autism and it is a disorder that will last throughout a person's lifetime, WAAD acknowledges the achievements of people with autism, recognising their experiences and that of their families and caregivers, and helping the general community understand what it means to live with autism.
Recently retired Steve Turner paid host on the day meeting the boys and having a chat. Eleven year old Benjamin had his moment in front of the camera when Steve interviewed him for the Bulldogs website, with joker Benjamin telling Steve he likes everyone that plays for the Bulldogs.
The boys arrived just in time to hear Coach Des Hasler speak to the media. Hasler proudly declared his support for World Autism Day when he fronted the media, showing his blue ASPECT ribbon and sharing a spare he happened to have with Channel Sevens Pat Molihan.
Following the media session the three boys had a special tour of Belmore Sports Ground and spent time on the hallowed turf kicking and passing the footy.
When the players emerged from their video session ready to train, they made a beeline for Zachary, Benjamin and Rodger to take photos, sign autographs and have a laugh with the boys who were thrilled to meet there favourite players.
To conclude the visit Steve Turner presented the boys with Bulldogs posters and special Bulldogs packs which Rodger quickly opened so he could proudly put on his brand new Bulldogs cap.
A big thank you to the hard workers at ASPECT Australia for their dedication and hard work.
If you would like to learn more information or make a donation go to : www.autismspectrum.org.au
Blue sky and sunshine set the scene for a great morning for local students Rodger, Benjamin and Zachary who had a special leave pass from school to pay a special visit to the Bulldogs headquarters in celebration of World Autism Day.
The month of April is dedicated to raising awareness for Autism with April 2 internationally recognised as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in which iconic buildings around the world including the Opera House turn their lights blue!
Around 1 in 100 individuals are diagnosed with autism and it is a disorder that will last throughout a person's lifetime, WAAD acknowledges the achievements of people with autism, recognising their experiences and that of their families and caregivers, and helping the general community understand what it means to live with autism.
Recently retired Steve Turner paid host on the day meeting the boys and having a chat. Eleven year old Benjamin had his moment in front of the camera when Steve interviewed him for the Bulldogs website, with joker Benjamin telling Steve he likes everyone that plays for the Bulldogs.
The boys arrived just in time to hear Coach Des Hasler speak to the media. Hasler proudly declared his support for World Autism Day when he fronted the media, showing his blue ASPECT ribbon and sharing a spare he happened to have with Channel Sevens Pat Molihan.
Following the media session the three boys had a special tour of Belmore Sports Ground and spent time on the hallowed turf kicking and passing the footy.
When the players emerged from their video session ready to train, they made a beeline for Zachary, Benjamin and Rodger to take photos, sign autographs and have a laugh with the boys who were thrilled to meet there favourite players.
To conclude the visit Steve Turner presented the boys with Bulldogs posters and special Bulldogs packs which Rodger quickly opened so he could proudly put on his brand new Bulldogs cap.
A big thank you to the hard workers at ASPECT Australia for their dedication and hard work.
If you would like to learn more information or make a donation go to : www.autismspectrum.org.au
