LIAM DURKIN
By LIAM DURKIN
SOCCER’S reputation as being ‘The World Game’ was exemplified recently, as special schools from across Gippsland came together for the annual Friendship Games.
The Friendship Games gives students from special schools an opportunity to participate in
friendly competition matches.
Played in a tournament-style format, special schools from as far as East Gippsland journeyed to Newborough/Yallourn Soccer Club for the games, on Friday, September 2.
Students gathered under the clubroom veranda to hear the national anthem, before Energy Australia community partnerships co-ordinator Meredith Bowden cut the ribbon, officially marking the 2022 Friendship Games open.
Players then wasted no time getting into the games, taking to the pitches with enthusiasm and gusto.
All manner of positivity was applauded, and every goal celebrated wildly.
The smile on some of the kid’s faces following a goal was truly heart-warming.
A League club Melbourne City showed their support, taking schools through a number of drills and games.
Baringa Special School student Jax took part in the games, and was glowing in his praise.
The 11-year-old described it as a “fun experience to do with your mates”, adding “sport is a way of life and a way of coping”.
Baringa principal Kelly Mether said the Friendship Games was one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar.
“The kids really look forward to it. Our students have been training for six weeks every Friday afternoon,” she said.
“It is a really good motivator, something to work toward.
“There are no barriers, we just make it work for whatever the students’ abilities are… we cater for them.
“It is all about just coming and having a go.”
More than 200 students have participated in the Friendship Games annually since its inception 15 years ago.
The Friendship Games was founded by former Baringa staff member Jos Adrichen, who has seen it grow to a stage where schools from as far as Wangaratta have come to Gippsland in the past.
Mr Adrichen also worked with students from Lowanna College, who would referee matches for the Friendship Games.
Another who was instrumental in establishing the Friendship Games was the late Michael Buhagiar.
A former president of Newborough/Yallourn Soccer Club, Mr Buhagiar’s legacy to the Games is sure to live on through the ‘Spirit of the Games Award’ named in his honour.
The award is presented to the person or team that demonstrates respect, sportsmanship, pride and inclusiveness during the Games.
“Michael was very pro for this and was always making sure we had people here and the club was available to be run,” current Newborough/Yallourn president Steve Baldacchino said.
“His sudden passing was very traumatic for a lot of us. He was a great man, he won’t be forgotten.”
The Friendship Games receives continued support from Latrobe City, Moe Racing Club and the major power generators.
The use of the word friendship might be especially poignant; for in the sporting world, the only word ending in ‘ship’ players are told they should be striving toward is a premiership.
Perhaps that forms part of the message the games wishes to convey: True friendship means more than any amount of premierships.
