For the second year running the St George Illawarra Dragons have conducted their season launch in the community with a combination of Dragons staff, players, Corporate Partners and key stakeholders coming together today to help “make a difference” in the local community.

The theme for the 2010 launch was “Making a Difference” based on a quote from the 35th U.S. President, John F. Kennedy.

“One person can make a difference and every person should try” – John F. Kennedy.

The day began at WIN Jubilee Oval with former player and Dragons Ambassador Wendell Sailor welcoming guests before they were split into four mixed groups and asked to complete specific community activities focused on fulfilling the eight pillars of the Dragons Community initiative.

In Wollongong, it was Dragons CEO Peter Doust who kicked off proceedings with a presentation to guests at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus. Those in attendance were then divided into eight groups with each given a challenge to complete in the local community.

In total there were over 250 participants “Making a Difference” in the community today with all involved in activities that the Dragons Community team carry out on a daily basis throughout the year, often with the assistance of Dragons players. All the ‘challenges’ were successfully completed in line with the eight pillars of the Dragons Community initiative.

• Health
o Dragons Active – at Innovation Campus UOW with Towradgi Public School and Fairy Meadow Demonstration School
o Eat well, Play well, Stay well assemblies –St Michael's Thirroul

• Education
o Dragons in the Classroom – Waniora Public School
o Rugby League Reads – Ramsgate Public School

• Mentoring
o Positive Behaviour for Success school visit – West Wollongong Public School

• Women and Girls
o Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation Workshop – Wollongong High School

• Grassroots Rugby League
o Backyard League – at WIN Jubilee Oval with Carlton Public School

• Charity
o Sensory Garden – St George School
o Hospital visits (Children’s ward & school and elderly ward) – Wollongong and St George Hospital

• Culture
o Jumbulla Aboriginal Discovery Centre
o UOW Memorandum of Understanding

• Environment
o Greenhouse Park tree planting and local reptile education session – Springhill Rd, Coniston
o Clean up Australia Day – Marine Drive, City Beach

After all the activities were finished, the 12 groups assembled at Jumbulla Aboriginal Discovery Centre in Bulli where they were treated to an indigenous experience which included fire making and eating bush tucker. The day concluded with lunch and the official presentation of the players.