Mat Rogers, former Gold Coast Titan player, has been named ambassador for National Sports Day on September 17. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for grassroots sports in Australia. Half the funds raised will support Diabetes Australia and the Heart Foundation in Queensland. As ambassador, Rogers will help promote the day's goal of providing opportunities for children through local sporting clubs.

1. Ref:
By ELLISHA PUGLIA
ellisha. pugI i a@tweed news. com.au
GOLD Coast Titan Mat Rogers has
been announced as an official am-
bassador for National Sports Day
on Friday, September 17.
Sportember is the nickname gi-
ven to the month of September
which is dedicated to raising aware-
ness of the importance of grassroot
sports and exercise across Austra-
lia.
Mr Rogers has had an extensive
National Rugby League career and
has played five State of Origin
matches for Queensland.
He has also played 11 Tests for
Australia.
The 34-year-old Titan winger has
also recently announced his retire-
ment.
The national sporting day hopes
to raise much needed funds to help
Australia's young sporting stars to
reach their full potential.
Half of the proceeds will be
shared between Diabetes Australia
and the Heart Foundation in
Queensland.
Jacob Gough, Sportember foun-
der, has always been heavily in-
volved with grassroots sporting
clubs and attributes his success to
his local club.
"Local clubs are fundamental to
the Australian way of life and it's
important that we all acknowledge
the role they play in providing our
children with sporting opportuni-
ties and life skills," he said.
"I wanted to make a difference so
I set about establishing The Sports
Rewards Foundation."
Brisbane Lions Captain Jonathan
Brown said funding is crucial for
Australian grassroots sporting
clubs.
"Australian kids love their sport
and the sustainability of our grass-
roots sporting communities is vital
in providing them with opportuni-
ties for growth, both in their chosen
sport and as people," he said.
"Unfortunately many children
are missing out on these opportun-
ities due to lack of funding, so we
are proud to be able to now assist
where we can through The Sports
Rewards Foundation."
The foundation will offer funding
and donations of sporting equip-
ment to individuals and clubs in
need.
Participants are also encouraged
to wear their favourite sports team
colours to work or school on the
day.
Every registrant will receive a
National Sports Day pack including
the e-book, More Than Sports, a
Sportember Sports Rewards card;
three-day passes to any local Jetts
Gym and the chance to win lunch
with a sporting star.
To donate or register a team for
National Sports Day, visit
www.sportember.com.au.
NATIONAL Sports Day ambassador a. Gold Coast Titan Mat Rogers with
Sports Rewards Foundation founder Jacob Gough. PHOTO SUPPLIES
Rogers named
ambassador
September month to remember good sports
Ref: 76681140
Brief: GALLERY DE
Copyright Agency Ltd (CAL) licenced copy.
Gold Coast Mail
Thursday 26/8/2010
Page: 11
Section: General News
Region: Gold Coast QLD Circulation: 28,309
Type: Regional
Size: 389.23 sq.cms.
Frequency: ---T---