Following a gruelling training camp in Batemans Bay the Raiders were treated to a much deserved rest week from training. Jack Wighton could have taken the easy option and spent the week horizontal on the couch recovering. Instead Wighton made the long journey from Canberra to Tamworth to promote the indigenous health program, One Deadly Step.
The One Deadly Step program was developed in partnership with NSW Health and the NRL to address chronic diseases in Aboriginal communities of NSW. One Deadly Step offers free health screenings to indigenous communities in rural areas of NSW.
Wighton joined up with his former Raiders teammate Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Australian Jillaroo Julie Young, former St George winger Ricky Walford and Country Rugby League (CRL) chairman John Anderson and CRL chief executive officer Terry Quinn to promote the program.
Wighton was more than happy to help out with the program, given his indigenous heritage, and the awareness the programs brings in educating indigenous communities about how easy it is to receive help for health issues.
“When the boys at CRL asked me if I would come to Tamworth I was only too happy to give them my help and support for such a good cause. It’s important to raise awareness that there are a lot of diseases in Aboriginal communities and there are easy ways to get tested.” Wighton said.
Wighton had also previously been an ambassador when One Deadly Step visited his hometown of Orange in late October.
Wighton has previously represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2013 and 2015 and is keen to repeat this feat in 2016. Having recently re-signed with the Canberra Raiders until 2018, Wighton is setting a great example in the community to complement his prodigious playing skills.
CLICK HERE for more information on One Deadly Step.
