Honouring a Legacy and Raising Awareness | The Third Zoe Kennedy Tribute Match
On Saturday, May 18th, the Elderslie Reserve will once again be the venue for an event that blends community spirit, sportsmanship, and a heartfelt cause. The third annual Zoe Kennedy Tribute Match, featuring Newtown & Chilwell vs. Bell Park, will not only showcase thrilling netball and football matches but also serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of asthma management and destigmatisation within the sporting community.
A Tribute to Zoe Kennedy
The Zoe Kennedy Tribute Match commemorates Zoe Kennedy, a passionate netball and football player whose life was tragically cut short by an asthma attack in 2020. By bringing together Zoe's netball team and her father Lach Kennedy's football team, the event honours her spirit while raising crucial funds to support young people with asthma.
"Zoe loved her sport and would be proud to see the sporting community come together to ensure that other kids with asthma don't miss out," says her father, Lach Kennedy. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing asthma, highlighting the Foundation's efforts to normalize the use of preventers and relievers, and to encourage open discussions about asthma.
Community Support and Awareness
Local sporting clubs and stadiums will be adorned with posters designed by Geelong artist Georgia Naughton, featuring brightly coloured artworks with asthma-themed phrases to raise awareness. Attendees can purchase purple 'Inhale Exhale' beanies and scarves, symbolising unity and contributing to the Zoe Kennedy Foundation.
Achievements of the Zoe Kennedy Foundation
Founded in 2020 by the Kennedy family and Figurehead Group, the Zoe Kennedy Foundation specifically focuses on improving the lives of young people with asthma. In the three years since Zoe's passing, the Foundation has raised nearly $300,000. These funds have supported a Virtual Care PhD with Asthma Australia and product trials for Puff-ah, an integrated, collapsible, smart inhaler system designed to improve adherence to asthma medications. Additionally, the Foundation has collaborated with Dr. Ben McKenzie of the Royal Melbourne Hospital to provide AMAX4 training devices, enhancing the standard of care for asthma and anaphylaxis.
Event Schedule
The day kicks off with netball matches starting at 8 am, followed by football matches for the 16s, 18s, and Reserves at 10 am. The main event begins at 1 pm, featuring activities such as face painting, balloon twisting, and a silent auction. A ceremony and netball presentations will take place at 1:30 pm, leading up to the Seniors' football match at 2:30 pm. The event concludes with a trophy presentation, live entertainment, and a raffle draw from 6 pm to late.
"We're humbled by the support of the Geelong community, particularly the Newtown and Bell Park Football Netball Clubs. There is genuine care for players, and we're proud of what this is generating in terms of asthma awareness in sport," says Lach Kennedy.
Join Us
Join us on Saturday, May 18th, at Elderslie Reserve, Newtown, to honour Zoe Kennedy's memory and contribute to raising awareness and funds for young people with asthma. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this chronic condition.
For more information, visit http://www.zoekennedy.com.au or follow @zoekennedyfoundation on Instagram.
Event Schedule at a Glance
- Netball from 8:00 am
- 10:00 am – 16s, 18s, Reserves Football
- 1:00 pm – Activities (Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Silent Auction)
- 1:30 pm – Netball Presentations and Ceremony
- 2:30 pm – Seniors Football (Newtown vs. Bell Park)
- 6:00 pm – Entertainment (Live Band + DJ) and Raffle Draw
