A FOOTBALL injury has forced Kingston’s Bryce Smith to step down from this year’s Swinging with the Stars fundraiser, but a new recruit has stepped up to fill the void.
Kingston apprentice builder Jeremy May will fill the vacancy and join dance partner Jacinta Cooper on the hardwood at The Barn Palais on June 22.
Conceding he has a lot of “catching up” to do, Mr May said he was dedicated to raising funds for the Kingston Community School Scholarship sub fund through the Stand Like Stone Foundation.
As Kingston’s first competitor, Mr May is confident of drawing a large crowd to The Barn, urging the tight-knit community to support him.
Sidelined with a season-ending knee injury, Mr Smith remains hopeful of transferring his skills to next year’s event.
With rehearsals now well under way, partners have been announced for the event with Padthaway’s Andrew “Roo” Orton joined by Katherine Miller, Millicent primary school teacher Rob Francis paired with Keana Soper and Penola’s Kate Perry partnered with James Brennan.
Millicent’s Emma Laucirica will dance with Jayden Green, Elle Hood is partnered by Cody Smith and Liz Rymill will be paired with 2016 winner Steven Speck.
Aria award winner Scott Maxwell will be paired with Alex Williams.
Organisers are confident this year’s event will be another success and they expect a sell-out crowd.
Tickets will be on sale at Chapman’s Newsagency from Monday.
