The Newcastle Knights invited students of Hunter Aspect School to a training session yesterday morning to coincide with the launch of World Autism Awareness month.
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The players shook hands and posed for photos with some of their most die-hard fans on the lawns of the official training ground at Mayfield Wests. Most of the students are unable to attend a Knights game because they have an aversion to large crowds and loud noises.
The invitation to the training session allowed the children to meet their heroes in a controlled and secure environment.
Knights winger Jake Mamo said he had a special place in his heart for children with autism.
“My little cousin has autism and I see what she has to go through,” he said.
“It feels good to make their day when I know how hard they’ve got it.”
Autism Spectrum Australia declared bright colours as the theme for this month to celebrate the diversity of the condition.
Slinkies and bright colours peppered the crowd at the training session.
Aspect Hunter School principal Liz Murray said the support of the Newcastle Knights was important for raising awareness of the challenges her students faced every day.
“The condition affects the way those living with the disorder relate to their environment and interact with other people,” Mrs Murray said.
“The main areas of difficulty are in social communication, social interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests.
“While the diagnosis rates continue to increase, the understanding of autism among the community is generally limited.”
Aspect student Noah Neve said he was thrilled to meet his favourite player Kurt Gidley.
“He’s my favourite because he’s my dad’s favourite,” Noah smiled.
“He’s a great player and I’m glad I met him so he could sign my hat.”
The support will continue at Hunter Stadium on Saturday when the Knights take on the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The club will promote World Autism Awareness Month throughout the day and present an opportunity for students from the school to participate in a guard of honour as the NRL teams run onto the field under a colourful balloon arch.