Independence Cup partnership promotes meeting of athletic minds

28 Feb 2014

Cockatoo-based powerlifter Rod Watson got a taste of life in the A-League last week with a personal tour of the Melbourne Victory's training rooms.

Melbourne Victory players Adrian Leijer and Leigh Broxham took Mr Watson on the tour and shared training tips for their different sports.

"It was a great chance to hear about how they prepare for a big match, not to mention check out the training equipment they use," Mr Watson said.

"Their tips on how they build their fitness and strength will help my efforts in the Paralympic powerlifting training squad," he said.

The tour comes ahead of the TAC Independence Cup match to be held between Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners on March 7.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the event raised awareness of the 12,000 Australians who cannot walk due to a spinal cord injury.

"There are about 12,000 people living with a spinal cord injury in Australia," Ms Dore said.

"Statistics show that 15-24-year-olds are the group most likely to suffer from a spinal cord injury – 80% of these people are male. This same group is also over-represented in road trauma.

"With Melbourne Victory's fan base mostly young men aged between 18 and 25, this partnership between the TAC, Independence Australia and the A-League club is helping us get an important safety message out to these young men," Ms Dore said.

The TAC Independence Cup match is part of the Transport Accident Commission's (TAC) partnership with Melbourne Victory.

Fundraising efforts on the night will support Independence Australia's Psychology and Counselling service, which helps individuals and families overcome the trauma of a spinal cord injury. Find out more at www.independenceaustralia.com

Before the game, there will be a chance to get a personalised Melbourne Victory badge for a gold coin donation. Tin rattlers will also be collecting donations toward Independence Australia.

Reducing serious injuries is a major focus of the Victorian Government's Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022. To find out more, visit www.roadsafety.vic.gov.au.

For more information contact Emily Bogue on 0429 416 778.

Pictured below: Melbourne Victory"s Adrian Leijer with Rod Wilson and Leigh Boxham.

Pictured below: Melbourne Victory's Adrian Leijer shares some training tips with Rod Wilson and Leigh Broxham.