FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 18 January 2008

• Rabbitohs players and coaches celebrate SSFC’s 100th birthday in Jacksonville

• Children from the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation help with celebrations

South Sydney Rabbitohs players and coaching staff have celebrated the Foundation Club’s 100th birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony at the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Rabbitohs visited the centre which was founded by star US Tennis professional and Wimbledon finalist MaliVai Washington to assist children of the Jacksonville area through the game of Tennis.

The full squad of 32 players played basketball and fielded questions about Rugby League, sport and Australia from the 150 children in attendance, before Rabbitohs captains Roy Asotasi and David Kidwell cut the celebratory birthday cake to commemorate the Club’s 100th birthday.

“To be a part of a Club that is celebrating its 100th birthday, especially one with such a history as rich as the Rabbitohs, is something very special,” Rabbitohs Head Coach Jason Taylor said today.

“The guys really enjoyed coming to the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation and meeting some of the locals from Jacksonville. The work Mal is doing here is fantastic and the reception we received from the kids was enormous.

“There is a lot of interest in our team and our game and we’re looking forward to continuing the training camp and playing Leeds on Australia Day.”
Mr Washington said having the Rabbitohs team visit the centre is what his work is all about.

“What we’re trying to do here is provide these kids with different experiences that can enrich their lives,” Mr Washington said.

“Having the Rabbitohs come and interact with these kids is giving them an experience they would never usually have the opportunity to partake in.

“The way they played ball and had fun with the children was inspiring and the kids loved having them join us at the Centre.

“It’s been wonderful having the guys talk to the kids about Rugby League and Australia and I wish them the best of luck for their game next Saturday.”

The MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation promotes academic achievement and positive life skills in Jacksonville youth through the game of tennis. The Foundation uses tennis to engage kids in active and fun recreation programs. The programs help to foster leadership, sportsmanship, self-esteem, confidence, discipline, accountability and the value of hard work, team work and individual effort. To learn more about the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation visit www.malwashington.com.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs play the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 26 January at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida (UNF). The Australia Day Challenge match is a featured event on the G’Day USA calendar.

For more information about G’Day USA visit www.australia-week.com. For information about holidays, business, lifestyle and study opportunities in Sydney Australia, visit www.sydneyaustralia.com.

For more information please contact:

Jeremy Monahan (Rabbitohs) at jmonahan@souths.com.au or 0412 240 197; or
James MacSmith (Rabbitohs) at jmacsmith@souths.com.au, (02) 8306 9935 or 0403 488 575.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are the most successful Club in Rugby League. Established in 1908, the South Sydney Club has won 20 first grade premierships and provided 62 internationals for the Australian side, and have famously worn their cardinal red and myrtle green colours since inception. In 1925, South Sydney was dubbed ‘The Pride of the League’ and the Rabbitohs are known as this to this day. In 1929, South Sydney became the first Australian Rugby League side to tour overseas winning two of their three tour matches in New Zealand. The Rabbitohs are taking on the Leeds Rhinos in the Australia Day Challenge in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday 26 January, 2008. The rebirth of the Rabbitohs began on 7 June, 2006 through a new partnership between Russell Crowe, Peter Holmes à Court and the 8000 Members of the Club.
Interim CEO: Joe Kelly Coach: Jason Taylor

Exec Chairman: Peter Holmes à Court Media: Jeremy Monahan

Membership hotline – 1300 SOUTHS (1300 768 847)
www.souths.com.au/join

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