TOUCH FOOTY FOR A CAUSE

Rivalries were put aside at the Ayr Touch Fields last Saturday night as 10 teams across two divisions took to the field to raise over $1,000 at Blaize Palmer’s Water Festival fundraising event.

The touch football competition hosted six senior teams and four junior teams of up to eight players, with the Crocs and BCH Bulldogs claiming the senior and junior titles respectively.

But Blaize, one of four senior ambassadors this year, said the event was more than merely a touch footy competition.

“I was really glad to see everyone involved and participating,” he said.

“Everyone had fun, everyone was involved and supporting each other … it was great.”

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TRIES GALORE AS TOUCH FOOTY COMP RAISES OVER $1,000

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Water Festival Senior Ambassador Blaize Palmer’s love for touch football helped score more than $1,000 for charity last Saturday night, with 10 teams taking to the Ayr Touch Fields for his community fundraiser.

Despite on-field dominance from eventual champions Crocs and BCH Bulldogs, the main winner of the night was Uganda-focused charity 100% Hope Inc., beneficiaries of all money raised throughout the event.

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Although the final tally had not yet been confirmed, Blaize said the event had already raised up to $1,200 via both the barbecue and his pledge of $5 for every try scored on the night.

He said the funds would contribute to food and general support for vulnerable communities in Uganda.

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The former Home Hill State High School student said the idea for a touch football fundraiser stemmed from his own love for the sport.

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“I grew up playing touch, especially in my high school years, and I just love it. I enjoy playing it, being able to ref, and watch people play it,” he said.

The event formed part of Blaize’s Water Festival Senior Ambassador commitments.

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Representing Burdekin Motors, he said he has relished the opportunity to grow in his role as Senior Ambassador.

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“Being involved in the community has helped me to build my confidence. It’s been great to make new friends with the other ambassadors and show what I've got, and how I can run a tournament,” he said.

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He thanked his ambassador peers for their help on the evening.

The final senior ambassador events will take place this weekend, with Ella Pirrone’s Bingo & Bubbles and Olivia Pavone’s Dog Walk pencilled in.

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