Brisbane Roar has helped spread a message of hope and healing after running out 2-0 winners against an African Invitational XI side in the George Wani Fundraising match at Goodwin Park.
Pushed all the way by the spirited invitational side, the Roar were eventual winners through goals to Massimo Murdocca and Henrique.
However, the true winner was the injured George Wani – a talented Souths United player who was severely injured in road accident at Sunnybank Hills.
Having sustained serious head injuries, the 19 year-old has slowly been recuperating at the Prince Alexandra Hospital.
But despite enduring a painful recovery, a smile returned to the face of Wani when nearly 1800 people gathered to support the fundraising match.
Offering gold coin donations, the local community was able to raise $3500 to help the Wani family pay for the mounting medical expenses.
Ready and willing to lend a helping hand to the football fraternity, the Brisbane Roar returned to its grass-roots family as a part of its ‘Queensland Roars Against Racism- campaign.
“The whole evening was a fantastic advertisement for football,” Brisbane CEO Peter McLennan said.
“Brisbane-s football community across all levels turned out to support a very worthy cause and Brisbane Roar was very proud to have been a part of it.
“Not only were we able to raise some important funds for George and his family, but bring together a culturally diverse group of people through football.”
And the love of the generous community did not stop with Wani, as $840 worth of donations were made for little Koorine Law-Douglas – a seven year-old suffering from a range of physical difficulties.
For a glimpse of the night visit the George Wani Fundraising Match Gallery
