Jun
29
2017
CANBERRA STAND TALL INSPIRED BY SKYDIVING SURVIVOR
There was a special visit from the survivor of a skydiving incident at the Stand Tall session yesterday at Saint Francis Xavier College in Canberra. The students had an absolute ball and a chance to hear the inspiring story from their special visitor Elijah Arranz, who survived a horrific skydiving incident where the instructor died and saved the young man’s life with a last minute twist.
The Canberra teenager who was critically injured while skydiving will be forever grateful to the instructor and “incredible hero” to whom he owed his life. A sudden gust of wind swept Elijah Arranz and Adrenalin Skydive instructor Tony Rokov – who were tandem skydiving – into an uncontrollable freefall. The sporting community had rallied behind Elijah, the Canberra athlete and basketballer and it’s believed the instructor wrapped himself around Elijah to cushion him from impact. Elijah’s family had said they were grateful for the support they had received from family, friends, his school and the sporting community, including Elijah’s basketball, athletics and jujitsu clubs.
NBL Hall of Famer Cal ‘the Black Pearl’ Bruton organised the surprise visit at one of our newest Stand Tall programs in Canberra. The Stand Tall program is currently delivered with a group of newly arrived refugee, humanitarian background, and Indigenous students. The participants are a part of the weekly program and enjoy inspiring and engaging activities and hear inspirational life messages delivered by Cal Bruton, who is one of the Legends of basketball in Australia and visitors like Elijah.
The Stand Tall initiative consists of basketball and leadership programs for young people, with a focus on Indigenous and Culturally Diverse groups, including newly arrived refugees. The initiative aims to deliver the Stand Tall strength based programs to develop life and leadership skills, using basketball as a means of engagement and providing an impacting experience that inspires participants on and off the court to set goals and be motivated about their own future.
Cal sharing some of his on and off court wisdom at the Stand Tall program launch in Canberra.
Charity Bounce is a not for profit organisation that exists to inspire positive change to overcome disadvantage for individuals and communities. With a focus on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders and Culturally Diverse communities, including newly arrived refugees we aim to move people toward a more positive future through the development of sports, the arts, health, education and employment focused social programs. The programs are delivered in partnership with professional athletes to motivate change and inspire.
