Big Sky 9s Report

Just in case you missed it elsewhere, here's Mat Ryan's Big Sky 9's report.

Good morning folks,

The Big Sky 9s tournament was held on Saturday at the Gap Soccer
fields. The aim of this tournament was to raise money to support Mike Neild and
his wife Stacy in their battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

All tournament profits would be added to the funds raised from raffle
ticket sales, a signed "Crocs" World Games shirt auction, and donations made
from around the country and from overseas.

The onfield results went more or less according to the seedings, with
"Stacy's Allstars", Captained by Mike Neild running through the tournament
undefeated and claiming the stone buddha trophy. They met "Overlord" from
the Gold Coast in the final who had previously upset the fancied UQ Lovers team
in a tough pool game, with a golden point win after time.
Congratulations to all 142 (14 teams) players who attended the tournament
and contributed to the support fund. Thankyou for your attendance and support,
including Ant, Rosalie and Matty Faulkner who travelled up from NSW for the
day.

Thankyou also to the Tournament organising team of Tony Ross, Genevieve
Healy and Sandra Poon. This was your idea and would not have happened if
you hadn't put it into action. Special thanks to Peta McNaughton for her
tireless efforts manning the admin desk all day. Thankyou to QUDA and AFDA for
their contributions to the day.

Thankyou to Gen Healy for organising the raffle, and to the many
individuals and organisations who donated prizes, and to all those people who
sold tickets.

Thankyou to Jonno Holmes and Di Worman and the other Croc and Dingo players
involved in running the World Games shirt auction. It was a fantastic
initiative and no doubt will look great mounted above the fireplace.

Thankyou to all those players, team-mates, opponents, friends, family,
workmates, and people who have never met Mike and Stacy, for your donations into
the support fund.

Further thanks to John Damiani and the WA frisbee players for hosting a
parrallel Big Sky tournament which will be held in December. We wish you
all the best with your event.

The funds raised (as at Saturday 31st October): (Nb: funds are still coming
in from donations and hopefully a contribution from WA)
Tournament Profits
$3,220.00
Raffle Ticket Sales
$2,130.00
World Games shirt Auction $800.00
Donations
$10,077.00
Total: $16,227.00

This fantastic result is a demonstration of the high regard that people
hold for Mike and Stacy, that they would contriubte so willingly.

It also speaks volumes about the generosity and Spirit of the Australian
and International Ultimate community for them to come to the aid of a couple in
need.

I am extremely proud to be associated with such a group.

Good on you all.

Mat.