The second annual International Rules game between the Canterbury AFL (CAFL) and Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA) next Friday night will carry special significance as the two leagues rally together in support of Paige Jury-Lynn.
The match will serve as a fundraiser for six-year-old cancer patient Jury-Lynn, who is the daughter of Eastern Blues AFL club stalwart, Cory Jury-Lynn.
Paige recently lost her vision due to brain and spine cancer.
She underwent emergency brain surgery in December last year and is still receiving treatment.
“To be honest, I’m surprised that the boys want to help me. I’m blown away by the support we’re getting from the AFL community. We’ve also had great support from the Child Cancer Foundation and the Blind Foundation.”
CAFL President, Steve Langridge, says the CAFL is pleased to be able to help Jury-Lynn and his family. “We have our moments on the field, but we’re all mates off the field. Cory and his family are part of the AFL community. In an hour of need everyone in the community comes together to help.”
This second annual fixture kicks off at 7:00pm on Friday, 27 July at the Christchurch Football Centre on Yaldhurst Road.
Players on both teams are making donations. The cost of entry for spectators is a gold coin, with all proceeds going towards treatment costs for Paige and her family.
The teams will be competing for the Bobby Carolan International Cup.
The Bobby Carolan International Cup was initiated earlier last year when support was needed for an unwell child. With this in mind, the Gaelic Football community approached the CAFL with the idea of playing a friendly International Rules game. This being a great opportunity to raise funds for a different cause or charity every year.
International rules is a hybrid sport combining Gaelic football and AFL.
Donate via Givealittle
