Michael Kemp has had a number of challenges to overcome in his short life, but all of that will be forgotten on Sunday when he tosses the coin ahead of Adelaide’s clash with Essendon.

Michael, 19, has an intellectual disability as well as autism, ADHD and chronic asthma. 

He has had some tough times but continues to rise above it.

The opportunity to venture onto the hallowed turf of Adelaide Oval on Sunday is a welcome one which has come about thanks to match day sponsor and Crows partner, Thomas Farms.

The business donated the honour of the coin toss to The Salvation Army to brighten the day of a youth in need. 

“Football has always been a passion of Michael’s and he actually first learnt his numbers by getting to know AFL players and their names,” said Hugh Ballantyne from The Salvation Army. 

“With the assistance of The Salvation Army at Ingle Farm Michael has found friendship and developed new skills and we’re pleased and very thankful to Thomas Foods to be able to give him this opportunity.

“It’s sure to be an experience he won’t forget in a hurry.”

The Salvation Army is one of four charity partners for The Crows Children’s Foundation in 2016.

At Sunday’s match fans are being encouraged to donate good quality children’s clothing to help The Salvation Army assist those in need across South Australia. 

Fans unable to bring clothing to the game can still assist by making a gold coin donation to the Crows Children’s Foundation via a tin rattle which will occur before the first bounce.

Clothing can also be donated to The Salvation Army on Florence Street, Fullarton or to Adelaide Football Club offices at West Lakes.

In 2016 the Crows Children’s Foundation will donate almost $120,000 to children’s charities including Autism Spectrum Australia, the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Childhood Cancer Association and The Salvation Army.

Earlier this year The Salvation Army was granted seed funding of $18,000 to support STREETDREAMS, a hip hop dance program based in Mt Barker that inspires young people aged 8–18 years to reach their full potential in physical, mental and emotional health.

In October each year, the Foundation calls for grant submissions from children’s charities for support in the following season, please click here for further details.