In lead-up to the NRL's Indigenous Round, the Sydney Roosters are pleased to announce a partnership with the KARI Foundation which will see the KARI logo feature on the top back of the Roosters' Indigenous jersey which will be worn in the Club's Round 10 match against the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday, May 12.
The KARI Foundation has an innovative approach to showcasing Aboriginal Excellence, Culture and Community Achievement by establishing and nurturing the connection between Governments and Corporates to Aboriginal Australia.
The Roosters have an existing relationship with the KARI Foundation, who are the major partner of the Club's Tasha Gale Cup side, the Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy.
"The KARI Foundation has been a wonderful partner of the Roosters Tarsha Gale Cup side as front of jersey sponsor, and we are delighted to extend this partnership into the NRL's Indigenous Round, with the KARI Foundation's logo to feature as the top back of jersey sponsor in the Roosters' match against the New Zealand Warriors this weekend," said Easts Group CEO, Scott Bennetts.
The KARI Foundation is currently encouraging registrations for the Changing Lives Larapinta Trek. Funds raised through the trek will go into the KARI Foundation's efforts to expand their holistic service and programs for indigenous youth in community support, foster care, family support and education.
About the Sydney Roosters Indigenous Jersey
The Roosters indigenous jersey will continue to celebrate indigenous culture and also honour Roosters legend and rugby league immortal, the late Arthur Beetson.
The artwork pays tribute to Arthur, who in his own words was "A very proud Australian, a very proud Queenslander, but also a very proud Aboriginal", and what makes the design hold even more meaning is that it has been designed by Arthur's niece, Bianca Beetson, who also designed the Roosters' Legends Round Arthur Beetson jersey in 2016.
Explaining the meaning behind her design, Bianca Beetson said: "The text in which his portrait was created reflects his attitude to life, no matter what life throws at you, you have to keep 'playin' on'.
"The text touches on his experience of growing up Aboriginal, his positive approach to racism on and off the field and also draws on quotes reflecting his grandeur on the field.
"The symbols surrounding him are Totems of the Kabi Kabi people of the Sunshine Coast; which include the Bunya Pine & the native bee.
"Arthur's Mother Marie was Kabi Kabi and his Father Bill was Waradjuri from NSW."
The Sydney Roosters would like to thank the Beetson Foundation for their continued support, and in particular Bianca Beetson for designing this special jersey.
At the conclusion of the Indigenous Round match, the Roosters will be auctioning the player worn jerseys with all funds raised to be donated to the Beetson Foundation.
About the Changing Lives Larapinta Trek
The Larapinta Trail is regarded as one of Australia's premier walking tracks. From the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station to the peak of Mount Sonder, the trail stretches 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
As part of this incredible – yet challenging – adventure, participants will stand on ancient escarpments and gaze out upon the ochre-coloured landscapes of Central Australia. Participants will also follow Aboriginal Dreaming tracks and trek beside one of the world's oldest river systems.
By day, participants will challenge themselves as they trek across the Red Centre, experiencing the diversity of desert habitats and learn the unique history of Australia's Indigenous peoples. At night, participants will fall asleep to the sounds of native wildlife under a blanket of stars.
The funds raised through the Changing Lives Larapinta Trek will go into the KARI Foundation to expand our offer our holistic service and programs for indigenous youth in Community Support, Foster Care, Family Support, and Education.
For more information please see www.kari.org.au
