Australians love to lionise our sporting heroes for their athletic triumphs and tragedies and the way they bounce back. Witness swimmer Geoff Huegill’s brilliant return to the pool at Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Seven-times world champ Layne Beachley in action
But a nobler and greater heroism can be found when they go out of their comfort zone to help others, and this year some of our nation’s best are doing that to raise money for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation – a charity that raises millions of dollars each year to help save the lives of sick and injured children in Australia and East Timor.
Rugby star Phil Kearns is leading the way again when he and well-known Sydney accountant and man-about-town Anthony Bell lead a crew of fellow champs on board the Loyal Foundation’s yacht for the 2010 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Sailing with them is seven-times world surfing champion Layne Beachley (legend), world title boxer Danny Green (one of the most decent men in the ring and out of it), dual Olympic silver and bronze medallist, Geoff Huegill, who also can boast of five Commonwealth Games gold medals and countless world record titles, and a fellow rugby star Phil Waugh, 113 Waratah caps and 79 Wallaby caps.
As Kearns said in an email he just sent to me and others who know about Humpty’s great work: “I’ve got nothing……..what about these dudes who are sailing with me and will be at the event! All of them are giving up their time for Humpty and to raise as much as we can to buy medical equipment for kids hospitals and wards around the country.”
Danny Green, world title holder, and Sydney-to-Hobart sailor
Kearns, Green and Waugh sailed in the world’s most exciting ocean-going yacht race last year and came fourth. Not bad for the first timers. They also raised $700,000 for 14 charities, and $50,000 for Humpty. This year, they are chasing the magical $1 million and have managed to turn an iconic race into a generous charity.
One other thing: Kearns is a great bloke, he’s also a big tease. He says one of Australia’s best cricketers is also joining the Loyal crew, but he won’t give up the name until next week. Here’s a hint, though: said cricketer has played in 103 Tests for Australia. Stay tuned!
If you want to help, go to Humpty’s and Loyal’s websites. And watch this heart-rending video to see the good work the foundation is doing. You won’t be sorry.
