“There’s a couple of things that drew us to this program and to select it as our fundraising recipient; the make-up of the program, the mentoring, and then talking to people like Jack Reed from the Broncos who runs the programs, hearing his philosophy and life experiences and all of it really gels. You know instinctively that it’s going to work with the kids.

“In supporting a program, we wanted to work with someone that’s going to be effective.

“Watching the kids today, they’re all engaged and it’s great to see it all working. We look forward to continuing the support and seeing these and many more who join the program see great results,” explained Chris Parker, president of the Rotary Club of Noosa Heads.

Mentoring Through Sports is one of many SunnyKids programs offered in several Sunshine Coast schools. The children who are selected to participate identify as most at risk of disengagement. This can present as social and emotional challenges, self-esteem issues, lack of confidence, risk-taking behaviours and absenteeism including academic delays.

The Mentoring Through Sports program is delivered through 8 sessions covering the key areas of healthy relationships, core values around self and health, and understanding mental and physical health and wellbeing. Where appropriate the participants and their families may benefit from additional SunnyKids case coordination support.