The chance to escape the heat while putting smiles on the faces of some special guests made celebrating International Day of People with Disability a double dose of joy for the Gold Coast Titans’ players at WhiteWater World.
International Day of People with Disability is an annual event, sanctioned by the United Nations, that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
For the Titans, as champions of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers community, the day carried extra significance given the extraordinary success of the Titans Physical Disabilities Rugby League team this year.
But the chance to take a break from pre-season training to cool off in the pools and on the waterslides at WhiteWater World wasn’t a bad bonus either.
“It is awesome to get out here amongst the community and come and help with the Gold Coast – and what a spot to do it,” said Titans winger Anthony Don.
“It is better than being at Parkwood training. It is a good change-up, and it is an honour to be here.
“It is so hot today, and so refereshing getting in all the pools and all the rides, so we are loving it.
“It is an awesome feeling coming out here and mingling with the kids and going on rides, and playing around in the water. They are having a great time.
“Being International Disability Day, it is awesome to catch up with people from the community and try to put a smile on their face.”
Titans halfback Tanah Boyd said the chance to come and share in the celebrations was an enjoyable experience for the players as much as the guests of honour, and a part of the Club’s commitment to the people and community they represent playing in the NRL.
“They’re loving it. They are enjoying themselves,” Boyd said. “It is always good for us to come out, and they love us boys coming out and helping them out.
“They are just enjoying their time with us. It is just a little thing for us to do, and we love it as well.
“We are really big on that (community work). We are one of the top clubs that do it.
“It is not hard for us to come out and spend some time with them. It is just a small part (of being an NRL player) for us, so we don’t mind.”
