BUDDING soccer stars shared in a once in a lifetime opportunity over the weekend as they took part in a training session with former professional soccer player Thomas Sorensen.
Over 40 members of the Gambier Centrals Soccer Club participated in the exciting session with young soccer players also given the opportunity to have memorabilia signed and photographs taken with the sporting legend during his brief visit to the Blue Lake city.
Head of the football department at the local club Scott Dickson said he was impressed with Thomas’ nature and willingness to spend time with the juniors.
“Thomas was outstanding and we were so lucky to have him visit the region,” he said.
“He has so much experience in the game and we were very privileged to have this opportunity.
“We look forward to forming a stronger relationship with Thomas.”
The Danish-born soccer legend has played in two World Cups, 364 games in the English Premier League and most recently represented Melbourne City in the local A-League competition.
However, it was his compassion for children and willingness to help those most in need that brought him to the region.
Taking up new sporting challenges, Thomas visited the South East as part of his grueling 3500km bike riding challenge across Australia to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Commencing the Ride for Kids charity ride on February 28, he is raising money and awareness of the Australian charity with riders from Australia, England, Denmark and the United States of America joining him for the epic ride, which covers three stages of cycling across South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales.
“My life in soccer taught me how important positivity is to achieving success and I truly believe it’s also an essential part of a child’s recovery from illness,” Thomas said.
“Every child should have a reason to smile, dream and believe in their future.
“Now proud to call Australia home, I have decided to challenge myself again with the Ride for Kids 2018 to support Starlight.”
As if the event and bike ride is not challenging enough, Thomas has set a massive $150,000 fundraising target, which will give more than 3800 sick children access to Starlight’s hospital programs.
Uniquely Australian, Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms were developed to complement the Australian health care system in partnership with leading Australian health professionals and exist nowhere else in the world.
They provide treatment-free respite for seriously ill children and their families, giving children a chance to play and interact with other children and have fun.
Following the training session at Gambier Centrals Soccer Club, Thomas and his entourage attended a charity event at the Commodore Hotel before taking part in the annual Melanoma March at the Blue Lake on Sunday.
Visit www.rideforkids.com.au to help support Thomas in his Ride for Kids journey by donating money or participating in the online auction.
The auction consists of both products and experiences sponsored by the Ride for Kids corporate partners and ambassadors, including signed memorabilia from tennis Grand Slam winner Caroline Wozniacki, professional footballer Kasper Schmeichel and current players from Melbourne City FC.
