NRL Clubs will embark on a month-long series of NRL Community Carnival visits throughout Australia and New Zealand in February, meeting with fans in more than 80 communities and educating students on respect and diversity.
Now in its 17th year, the NRL Community Carnival is supported by every NRL club and NRL Ambassadors, and will reach more than 250,000 kids, visit more than 1,000 schools, travel more than 40,000 kms and host more than 80 Junior Rugby League clinics throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Players will take part in local junior rugby league clinics, as well as participate in education lessons with students, focusing on the importance of respect, belonging and celebrating differences both on and off the field.
NRL General Manager of Community, Ellen Beale said the NRL Community Carnival was a chance for NRL clubs and players to meet with some of their regional and rural fans and help promote important and positive life messages.
“The NRL Community Carnival is our biggest community program of the year and one of the most rewarding,” Ms Beale said.
“In the space of just over a month on the road, our 16 NRL clubs will reach more than a quarter of a million primary and secondary students from across Australia and New Zealand, imparting life-long lessons about the importance of showing respect for both themselves and others within their diverse footy and local communities.”
Players will be joined by NRL Game Development Officers in delivering the Respect program to local students, with lessons including interactive activities, together with educational resources.
The NRL Respect program is linked to the Australia and New Zealand curriculum. Every school will receive an interactive presentation, which is supported by a six-week teaching resource focusing on respect, belonging and celebrating differences.
Canberra Raiders Community Carnival Schedule
Thursday – Friday, 2-3 February - Cooma, Bateman's Bay, Bombala, Braidwood
Monday, 20 February - Canberra (Local Blitz)