Troy G
20th January 2003, 05:41 PM
The Mazda Kangaroos would like to send our best wishes and thoughts to all those affected by the bushfire tragedy in Canberra and surrounding region over the weekend.
In particular we would like to express our sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the tragedy and who are battling injuries in hospital or caring for those affected.
We are also thinking of those who have lost homes and property over the past two days.
We hope that improved weather conditions prevail, assisting the heroic efforts of the fire brigades and other emergency services at this time.
The Kangaroos have a close association with Canberra and events over the past 48 hours have touched everyone here greatly.
Senior coach Dean Laidley, who lived in Weston Creek (the most affected area) while coaching the Wildcats in the then ACTAFL in 1999, was keen to send his own special message to those living in Canberra.
"I have fond memories of my time in Canberra. My family and I particularly enjoyed the bush setting in which it is based," Laidley said.
"Many of the players and supporters of the Wildcats live in the suburbs most affected, in particular Duffy and Chapman, and it is difficult to comprehend the devastation they have seen, and are now coming to terms with.
"It really brings it home, when those you know have been so touched by the tragic events.
"On behalf of everyone at the Club, and everyone else nationwide, I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers to all those involved, both now and during the rebuilding process ahead.
"I and the rest of the Kangaroos team will be in Canberra for our Pre-season camp early next month and are currently investigating ways we can be of some assistance to the close-knit community."
In particular we would like to express our sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the tragedy and who are battling injuries in hospital or caring for those affected.
We are also thinking of those who have lost homes and property over the past two days.
We hope that improved weather conditions prevail, assisting the heroic efforts of the fire brigades and other emergency services at this time.
The Kangaroos have a close association with Canberra and events over the past 48 hours have touched everyone here greatly.
Senior coach Dean Laidley, who lived in Weston Creek (the most affected area) while coaching the Wildcats in the then ACTAFL in 1999, was keen to send his own special message to those living in Canberra.
"I have fond memories of my time in Canberra. My family and I particularly enjoyed the bush setting in which it is based," Laidley said.
"Many of the players and supporters of the Wildcats live in the suburbs most affected, in particular Duffy and Chapman, and it is difficult to comprehend the devastation they have seen, and are now coming to terms with.
"It really brings it home, when those you know have been so touched by the tragic events.
"On behalf of everyone at the Club, and everyone else nationwide, I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers to all those involved, both now and during the rebuilding process ahead.
"I and the rest of the Kangaroos team will be in Canberra for our Pre-season camp early next month and are currently investigating ways we can be of some assistance to the close-knit community."