Saints Jason Blake and Nick Heyne were in attendance to help launch and lead activities for the first annual ‘Better Buddies Games’ at Belvedere Park, St Kilda’s new home from 2010.

The Better Buddies Games is an opportunity for students to participate in non-competitive activities, promoting the importance of being active and is a key part of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s highly successful Better Buddies Framework.

Belvedere Park and Seaford Park Primary Schools came together for the event which was held at a local oval, just a short drop punt from where construction will soon commence to build St Kilda’s new elite training facility.

Jason Blake stressed the importance of St Kilda getting to know the local community.

“It’s crucial,” he said. “We’re here for our fans and it’s great to see so many students having a good time, getting out there and participating.

“We’re really looking forward to our move next year which will see us become even more involved. Saints in the Community is a great program and I know all the guys are looking forward to stepping up their involvement.”

The kids participated in a number of sporting activities as Blake and Heyne were on hand to give pointers in the football drills.

“I think there are quite a few junior footy players here,” Heyne enthused.

“They’re all pretty excited, they are all willing, they listen and they want to learn. They’re all having a lot of fun and, so it’s good!”

Kristy Forsyth, Better Buddies Coordinator at Seaford Park Primary School said, "The Better Buddies Games Day is really beneficial for our senior and junior students to work together, exercise and have fun. The senior buddies were very excited about the day and helped set up all the activities on the oval."
 
The Better Buddies Framework helps to create a safe and caring school community where bullying is reduced through teaching children to be a ‘buddy’ to each other. Seaford Park and Belvedere Park Primary Schools have recently become involved with Better Buddies thanks to funding from the Jack Brockhoff Foundation.

The Better Buddies Framework is in more than 400 schools around Australia. More than 900 schools have taken part in Better Buddies Framework activities. The Framework is helping thousands of children understand the importance of respect, friendliness, caring, including others, valuing difference and responsibility. For further information on the Better Buddies Framework or to make a donation to The Alannah and Madeline Foundation visit www.amf.org.au.

Click here to watch the Better Buddies video featuring Jason Blake and Nick Heyne