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On Monday 5th August, we organised our 2nd Annual Sports Stars Sleepout (SSS) at the sublime Sydney Cricket Ground.
Our objective was to raise funds and awareness on the dire situation confronting over 40,000 young and homeless Australians.
21 current and former elite athletes from several sports took part showing their solidarity and raising about $ 50,000 for us by their selfless gesture. They slept under the stars with only a sleeping bag on flimsy cardboard placed on the turf, in what turned out to be a wintry, dewy night. It was extremely uncomfortable but in a single evening gave them an understanding of what life must be like for tens of thousands in our country who face this every night.
There was tremendous media interest in our event, patiently fielded mainly by Co-Patron Greg Chappell - who for the 2nd consecutive year was amongst the sleepers, 2 days short of his 71st Birthday. Rugby legend Brad Fittler participated as did inimitable broadcaster Kerry O’Keeffe, SCG Trustee Stuart Macgill and our greatest Paralympian, Louise Sauvage.
Other sports stars who slept out were Trevor Chappell, Daniel Hughes, Nick Larkin, Micky Edwards, Chadd Sammut, Harry Conway, Naomi Stalenberg, Lauren Smith, Lauren Cheatle, Lisa Griffith and Andre Adams, all from Cricket.
Mel Rippon (Water Polo)
Najat Khoury (Power Lifting)
Allison Yeoland (Hockey)
Ally Green (Soccer)
Laithe Saba (Rugby League)
The thought-provoking documentary “The Australian Dream” was premiered on the big SCG screen, followed by the Ashes cricket, LIVE.
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