On 29th and 30th October 2016, Inala Community House (ICH) held its first ICH Community Cup at C.J. Greenfield Park.
ICH Community Cup is a two-day volleyball charity tournament with the main aim of raising awareness and funds for our upcoming Project Mentor. Project Mentor is a mentoring program to connect youths at risk with trained volunteer mentors who can offer support, advice and guidance. Project Mentor fosters one-to-one relationship where the mentor is closely focused on the young person’s growth and development.
Project Mentor is part of ICH Family Services http://www.ich.org.au/service-areas/family-services/.
Over the past weekend, ICH Community Cup was successfully held as a family-friendly, community-focused public event that welcomed participants of all ages and backgrounds. We had 15 competing registered teams for the volleyball tournament, with a total of over 200 people attending the two-day event.
ICH Community Cup was divided into two components: the conventional volleyball game and tri-ball, also known as three-way volleyball for special bonus rounds.
The event provided a great opportunity for every team to showcase their skills regardless of age, skill level and background.
Sportsmanship was notably evident on our two youngest competing teams: All Stars and All Stars 2 from Multicultural Sports Club of Access Community Services (http://www.accesscommunity.com.au/multicultural-sports-club) – which aims to promote social inclusion for young people (15-25 aged) from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“We work with refugees and aim to engage them with the community through sport, which leads to positive outcomes including future employment. Our volleyball program is an award-winning program. ICH Community Cup was these girls’ first external event from our weekly training.
Prior to the Cup, it had been quite informal and focused on skill-building as many of these girls had never played sport before. They all had an amazing time and gained valuable skills over the weekend. Some were disheartened by the competition’s loss but as a whole they were keen to participate in more events. In future, we hope to do some fundraising to get team uniforms too,” said Sports and Recreation Officer/Coach Janelle Kirby from Access Community Services.
ICH Community Services Manager Haley Kiata and her family showed their support for the first ever ICH Community Cup.
During the prize-giving ceremony, ICH Community Cup Event Organiser Ty Gillum expressed his gratitude:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and volunteers – without them, this event wouldn’t be possible. So, a big thank you, especially to our biggest sponsor Brisbane Force FC for the wonderful venue. Also, congratulations to our winning teams and we hope that everyone had a good time. As a non-profit organisation, please continue to show ICH your support in future.”
ICH Community Engagement Services Manager Haley Kiata also highlighted the importance of community events like ICH Community Cup:
“ICH Community Cup provides a wonderful opportunity for the local community to come together and enjoy a competitive fun weekend. It helps to promote active healthy living for all, while raising awareness and funds for the upcoming Project Mentor. We look forward to next year’s Cup!”
This was followed by a speech from Griffith Social Sport Coordinator Fred Fredericksen:
“Griffith University Social Sport is pleased to support such a great non-profit event like ICH Community Cup. We look forward to continuing our support next year. ICH Community Cup is a powerful example of community connectedness and a vibrant inclusive sporting culture in Inala and surrounding areas.”
ICH Institutional Support Manager Josh Cullen proceeded to award every winner of ICH Community Cup:
1st Prize: One Season of Griffith Social Sport Volleyball (valued at $750) and $600 Cash – Winner: VolleyHood (1)
2nd Prize: 50% Off One Season of TRL Ipswich (valued at $480) and $250 Cash – Winner: 77 Spikers
3rd Prize: $150 Cash – Winner: Spider
1st prize winning team VolleyHood and family.
“Congratulations on ICH for successfully organising its first ever ICH Community Cup. At the end of the day, we are all here to support Project Mentor and the community, regardless of the prize or money. Our team is humbled and blessed by the win,” said VolleyHood’s representative Eden Laulu Faumina.
ICH would like to sincerely thank:
Sponsoring, Supporting and Partner Organisations: Brisbane Force FC, Griffith University Social Sport, TRL Ipswich, Just Us Signs, Kennards Hire, Premier Awards, Struddys Sports
Volunteers (A-Z): Alana Brown, Amanda Krebs, Barbara Stonehouse, Budi Mandagow, Darryl Gillum, Drew Wharton, Ebony Malone, Harrison Ide, James Clayton, Janet Cullen, Joshua Cullen, Jon Paul, Joshua Mauger, Katya Menzies, Korey Daniells, Lindsie McCaroll, Mahala Jones, Nicholas Loo, Siobhan McKay, Tahnee Storey, Tiffany Leong, Ross Paul, Ty Gillum, Zoe Hodson
In conclusion, ICH Community Cup was a great success in uniting individuals of various backgrounds and raising awareness about our upcoming Project Mentor.
- For ICH Community Cup, please follow the latest updates on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ICHCommunityCup
- Project Mentor is part of ICH Family Services http://www.ich.org.au/service-areas/family-services/. If you would like to support us, please contact info@ich.org.au | (07) 3372 1711.