Hundreds of primary school students from across the region have marked the 100th anniversary of boxing legend Les Darcy’s death with a sporting gala day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Four hundred year 5 and 6 students from Catholic primary schools met at Maitland Park on Wednesday for a series of sporting sessions run by representatives from the NRL, soccer, Rugby Union and hockey.
Former Hockeyroo and dual Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist, Kate Jenner, NRL Development representative Matt Sharman and Development Officer of NSW Rugby Union George Gargoulakis were among the sport stars who helped the students refine their skills.
It is the first time a Darcy memorial sporting gala day has been held. It is one of a number of events being held in Maitland this week to celebrate the boxing star.
Darcy’s life came to an end much too early when he died aged 22 of pneumonia after contracting a blood infection in Memphis, Tennessee.
He was considered by many to be Maitland’s favourite Son. He was one of the best middleweight fighters in the world and his career record finished at 50 fights, with 46 wins and just four losses to his name.
Students from St Aloysius Primary Catholic School at Chisholm as well as St John the Baptist Primary School at Maitland, St Joseph's Primary School at East Maitland and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School at Tarro have been learning about Darcy in the lead up to the gala day.
St Aloysius Primary School principal Suzanne Fern came up with the idea and organised it with the help of sports coordinators at nearby Catholic primary schools. She said children who had attended the school sparked the idea.
"The Webb family were very interested in the local history of Maitland when they were with us, and upon reading the story of Les Darcy, were adamant that his story be remembered and celebrated," Ms Fern said.
"Last year for the 99th anniversary of Les Darcy's death, the Webb family invited school families to commemorate with a gathering at his grave after school.
“This year, although the Webb's are now back in America, we felt it important to continue to honour Les Darcy and ensure this important anniversary was appropriately celebrated."