Tom
Whitaker, pro-surfer rides the waves with Youth
Off The Streets at Bondi
On Saturday March 17, World No.
8 pro-surferTom Whitaker will introduce surfing
to a group of disadvantaged young people from
Youth Off The Streets.
Eager to demonstrate that surfing is a wonderful
sport that allows freedom of expression and yet
demands an unwritten discipline and focus to excel,
Tom has gathered several of his professional surfing
mates to help him introduce surfing to kids who
have probably never been encouraged to give surfing
a go. A group of young people from Father Riley's
Youth off the Streets charity have eagerly volunteered
to surf with one of the World's Best.
Tom is keen to share his surfing passion: "I
was lucky to be surrounded in a loving family
and sport all my life. Whilst I cannot provide
a loving environment like Father Riley does, maybe
I can help by introducing kids, who have not been
as lucky as me, to the sport of surfing. When
a large wave is bearing down on you, surfing has
the wonderful capacity to make you forget any
hassles and problems you may have...it certainly
focuses your attention on the moment,"
he remarked.
Sydney-sider Tom Whitaker is currently ranked
No 8 in the World Pro Surfing. From a family with
a great sporting background, Tom has been a professional
surfer for several years and has been steadily
progressing through the ranks reaching the World’s
top ten in 2006. Tom is only back in Australia
for a short time preparing for the Rip Curl Pro
Easter Classic before heading off overseas to
compete on the World Surfing Tour.
“We are very grateful to Tom for making
the time despite his busy training schedule to
expose our young people to new and different experiences,”
said Father Chris Riley, CEO and Founder, Youth
Off The Streets.
Tom’s introduction to surfing complements
the Sport and Recreation component of the McIntosh
House programme. McIntosh House provides supported
accommodation and oversees the pursuit of vocational
training, education and employment by providing
living skills training and pathways to education,
training and employment.
|
When:
|
0900hrs
Sat 17 March |
| Where |
Bondi
Beach Central Steps |
| Who |
Tom
Whitaker and youth workers and young
people from Youth Off The Streets |
| What |
Youth
Off The Streets kids go surfing with
Tom |
|
About Youth Off The Streets:
Youth Off The Streets is a community
organisation working for young people who are
chronically homeless, drug dependent and recovering
from abuse. We support these young people as they
work to turn their lives around and overcome immense
personal traumas such as neglect and physical,
psychological and emotional abuse.
Since opening in 1991, Youth Off The Streets
has grown from a single food van delivering meals
to young homeless people on the streets of Kings
Cross to a major youth specific agency providing
a wide range of services offering a full continuum
of care.
It is our goal that these young people will leave
our care drug free, with a high school education,
living skills and a full or part time job in hand.
For further information
concerning Tom Whitaker:
Robert Joske Management Pty Ltd
Ph: +61 (0)2 9328 1444
Fax: +61 (0)2 9328 2273
Mob: +61 (0)412 211 510
Email: robert@joskemanagement.com.au
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