The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ Field of Dreams initiative and the Cowboys Leagues Club will make it possible for 30 young people with a disability to celebrate the Cootharinga STARS program for school leavers at 1300SMILES Stadium on Friday night.
They will receive free tickets to see the round nine Queensland blockbuster between the Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos.
“Under our STARS program, Cootharinga assists young people of various abilities in setting and achieving their chosen goals,” Mandy MacDonald, Cootharinga general manager – marketing and public relations, said.
“STARS activities and assistance is structured to cater to the individual in consultation with their family, providing both group and one-on-one activities.”
Activities may include woodwork, cooking skills, amateur electronics, computer usage, TAFE courses, art, craft, amateur photography and digital art, gym, swimming, sports programs, healthy lifestyle skills, animal care, public transport skills, linking to employment agencies, support for participants who are employed, and life skills such as money recognition, ironing, cleaning and laundry.
“Our skilled trainers provide participants with support, guidance and encouragement to develop skills, build independence, make friends and connect to the community," Ms MacDonald said.
"Each participant is given as much encouragement and guidance as possible to achieve their chosen goals.”
“The Cowboys Field of Dreams is a fantastic initiative and the generosity of the Cowboys Leagues Club in providing game tickets means that our STARS participants can spend some extra time together as well as spread the word about the program.”
Since it began, the Field of Dreams program has given more than 2,000 special individuals in the community the opportunity to attend a Cowboys game to watch their heroes live in action at 1300SMILES Stadium.
“Each game day, one of our Field of Dreams partners donates 30 home game tickets to a charity in recognition of their valuable contributions to our local community,” Fiona Pelling, Cowboys community relations manager said.
“The Cowboys Leagues Club’s generous support for the program means that everyone attending the game will get to learn about and celebrate the Cootharinga STARS program.”
For more information on the STARS program, phone 07 4759 2023 or 07 4759 2000, or email tracy.rau@cootharinga.org.au.
