This Friday, for our last match of the 2016 NRL Season, your Rabbitohs will compete for the Special Olympics Cup with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the fifth clash of its kind at ANZ Stadium.
The Special Olympics Cup – to be played this Friday night – signifies an important partnership between the Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Special Olympics Australia in providing a platform for thousands of Australians with an intellectual disability to reach their personal best both on and off the sporting field.
Prior to this exciting matchup, Special Olympics Australia Athletes got a chance to showcase their own athleticism at the Simply Energy High Performance Centre at Redfern Oval as Rabbitohs players and staff hosted a Mini Olympics for over twenty competitors.
Rabbitohs players helped run four groups of athletes through heats at Redfern Oval early on Thursday morning and were inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the Special Olympics Athletes.
"Coming out here this morning it's really brightened up my mood," said Rabbitohs centre Aaron Gray.
"Participating in these Special Olympics and how much they can get from having a bit of fun in the morning it's really made my day a lot better and I'm sure they'll have a better day today."
Corene Strauss, CEO of Special Olympics Australia, was glowing in her praise of the Rabbitohs, Souths Cares and the way the event was held.
"South Sydney have been fantastic to Special Olympics," said Strauss.
"It's fantastic that they've been able to give our athletes a chance to participate and play footy with them,
"It means the world."
If you would like to get involved with Special Olympics Australia or know someone who would check out their website: www.specialolympics.com.au