Adelaide players met some inspirational kids at training on Wednesday as part of the partnership between the Adelaide Crows Foundation and Variety – the Children’s Charity.
Jack Peel, 9, and Maddison Guest, 7, will have the experience of a lifetime when they take on the role of game day mascot and lead the team through the banner in front of a packed Adelaide Oval.
Both children attended training at Adelaide Oval ahead of the game to meet with players including Captain Jordan Dawson, who they will partner with in their mascot duties, and Ruck Reilly O’Brien.
Jack has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy which affects his fine and gross motor skills including his ability to walk, run, jump, perform daily tasks and communicate with his peers.
In 2022, Variety provided funding which enabled Jack to have Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy and PERCS (tendon lengthening) surgeries in the US which positively impacted his motor skills by reducing the spasticity in his body and helped to eliminate the pain that he feels in his legs daily.
Variety has also recently assisted Maddison and her family, funding a purpose-built stroller so she can be more involved in the community, therapy, play groups and other activities, such as being the game day mascot on Saturday. Maddison has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and cerebral visual impairment and can only walk assisted short distances.
Variety – the Children’s Charity supports kids and families who are facing challenges through sickness, disadvantage or living with disability.
Since 2018, Variety and the Adelaide Crows have had a community partnership centred around the bi-annual Showdown matches.
Across this time, Variety has worked closely with the Adelaide Crows Foundation on a range of programs and special initiatives which positively impact the lives of young people in need throughout SA.
Variety CEO Mark McGill said he was thrilled Maddison and Jack would have the very special opportunity to be mascots for the Showdown match.
“Over 6,000 children, like Maddi and Jack, are positively impacted this year through the partnership Variety proudly enjoys with both clubs through their community programs,” he said.
“This will be a wonderful experience for them to enjoy and be shared by their family and friends.”
Crows CEO Tim Silvers said Variety’s support across the past six years had enabled the Club, through the Adelaide Crows Foundation’s programs and initiatives, to bring about positive change for kids in need.
“With Variety’s backing, the Showdown is now more than just a fierce on-field rivalry with the Power, it’s also about coming together to support the community and in this instance South Australian children to be their best,” Silvers said.
Adelaide hosts Port Adelaide in its home Showdown at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, with the first bounce at 7.10pm.
Guarantee your access to the Variety Showdown Shield - 3 Game Western Stand Unreserved Memberships available here.
