Let the kids play

Matt Denny with Les Sherrington, John Denny and the autographed gloves.

Deanna Millard

LEWIS von Stieglitz wants every child to have an opportunity to play sport and has pledged the Warwick Credit Union (WCU) will match the $325 raised from a boxing gloves raffle at the Daily News/Warwick Credit Union Junior Sports Star of the Year awards dinner.

The offer of world title winning boxer Les Sherrington to donate a pair of autographed gloves created the opportunity for a fundraiser.

Allora athlete Matt Denny won the raffle.

At the dinner, it was announced money raised would be used to sponsor children whose parents were finding it difficult to fund their involvement in junior sport this year.

Von Stieglitz, the WCU CEO, said the money could go towards fees or sporting gear.

"There are definitely children who don't play because their parents can't afford the cost of club membership or the gear," he said.

"You see children playing with sub-standard equipment.

"While the junior sports star awards recognise tremendous achievement, a lot of sport has to be played to produce those achievements."

The money will be distributed by Warwick Credit Union and Daily News after requests are emailed to gerardw@warwickdailynews and considered.