ANZAC Weekend 2021

" A Tribute to the Anzacs VC  - The 2021 Charles Upham International "

The Tribute to NZ Heroes Association has been extremely busy this year organising a snooker event between Australia & New Zealand to honour our great Anzacs who fought courageously for our countries. For us.

I have read many stories of our ancestors, some of whom had no choice but go to War across the oceans leaving their loved ones behind.  Some came home, some never did.

Mental illness from post war is a very serious matter, it not only affects the individual but the people around them, their family and their friends.

They begin to create a barrier of resistance to the society they once knew and the readjustments they make to try to fit in sometimes feels impossible.

Today we are fortunate that there are not for profit organisations fundraising to help our returned veterans get the help they need to make the transition back into their normal lives through physical, financial and mental support.

Mates4Mates, RSL Defence care and Soldieron to name a few.

The main purpose of this snooker event is to raise awareness of mental health of our Veterans and to bring back the enjoyment of being entertained by cue sports which was a favourite past time of service men and women around the world.

Each year the tournament will rotate between Australia & New Zealand with mention in latter years that England may join this elite event.

A new Victoria Cross recipient will be honoured each year from the host country.

2021  will be in honour of Charles Hazlitt Upham (NZ), a New Zealand soldier who was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) twice during the Second World War; in Crete in May 1941, and at Ruweisat Ridge, Egypt, in July 1942. He was the most recent of only three people to receive the VC twice, the only one to receive two VCs during the Second World War and the only combat soldier to receive the award twice. As a result, Upham is often described as the most highly decorated Commonwealth soldier of that war, as the VC is the Commonwealth's highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

The Major sponsor is Cassells Brewing Co. in Christchurch.

Please check out their website – www.cassels.nz

We look forward to a strong relationship between Cue sports & Cassells for many years to come.

The Australian Team

Men’s team

James Mifsud - Cale Barrett- Ben Judge

Women’s team

Jessica Woods - Jennifer Budd - Carlie Tait

Junior team

Jayden Dinga - Xavier Daw - Marc Fridman

Please support our team going over the New Zealand.

All moneys raised will go towards our team airfares. 

gofundme.com/f/australian-snooker-team-for-the-anzacs-vc

The organisers are selling sponsorship via advertising @ $200 NZ  for business interested.

The advertising sold will give your business full exposure at the event with members of NZ parliament in attendance, your business will be advertised on  live streaming coverage shared on social media outlets and on any further forms of advertisements distributed by the NZ association.

Funds raised from our country (AUS) will be shared for the travel for the Australian team and

20% donated to  The Tribute to New Zealand heroes Association.

Please support our Aussie representatives if you can, as we all know our sport is one of the hardest to get backing and sponsorship therefore we all have to stick together, whether it be Snooker, Pool, billiards Ect.

Australia will be host in 2022, if your club has interest in hosting, or anyone interested in assisting with this event in honour of an Australian VC please contact me – Jennifer.budd@absc.com.au

Many thanks to all in advance