Aussie football legend Tim Cahill to spearhead GAP Winter Adoption Day

Passionate Greyhounds As Pets ambassador Tim Cahill will spearhead a massive Winter Adoption Day in Earlwood this Sunday.

Tim Cahill and his retired greyhound Lumo at his family farm, Northern NSW Picture Danielle Smith

Tim Cahill is no stranger to kicking goals.

The Aussie football legend made an art form out of it during his spectacular career, retiring as the Socceroos greatest ever scorer.

Yet in more recent times it’s been the goals he’s been kicking off the pitch which he’s deriving the most satisfaction, led by his now four-year partnership with the NSW Greyhounds As Pets Program.

On Sunday, Cahill will return to where it all began when he headlines the GAP Winter Adoption Day at Gough Whitlam Park in Earlwood, a stone’s throw from where he grew up in Bexley.

And it couldn’t be at a better time, with the nation amidst World Cup fever, as the mighty Matildas continue their march toward a potential finals berth.

“It’s always fantastic to be back home, to see my family and friends and this time to watch as the country gets swept up in the euphoria around the Matildas,” Cahill said.

Tim Cahill and his retired greyhound Lumo and Boy Boy at his family farm, Northern NSW Picture Danielle Smith

“And while the Women’s World Cup has been an amazing success, I’m also keenly looking forward to another big event this Sunday when Greyhounds As Pets host what will be their biggest greyhound adoption day ever.

“Being an ambassador of Greyhounds As Pets is a cause that’s extremely important to me.

“When I took on the role more than four years ago now I agreed because I could see the vision and giant strides the industry wanted to take.

“And to have been involved from the outset and seen so many great milestones reached along the way has been extremely rewarding.”

Cahill’s deep seeded passion for the cause was on full display last July when he was on hand to open GAP’s new state-of-the-art facility at Richmond.

Those in attendance to hear Cahill’s touching opening address left with no doubt as to his commitment to a program which in the last 12 months rehomed a record 2,202 greyhounds.

And while Cahill now spends most of his time abroad, prioritising time to get home is still extremely important to the revered sporting star.

That includes catching up with Lumo, the retired greyhound Cahill adopted at the start of his GAP association, which lives the life of luxury on the family property in the north of NSW.

“She’s part of the family,” Cahill said.

“When I took on the role I said I’d only do it if I had some skin in the game so we adopted Lumo. She’s a wonderful companion, is quiet and extremely affectionate – a great addition to the family.

“Helping break down any barriers and misconceptions for adopting a greyhound has been very important to me. I couldn’t recommend them any higher.”

Tim Cahill during the glory days playing for the Socceroos Picture: William West

While Cahill is looking forward to cheering on the Matildas this Saturday, he’s equally excited about being front and centre for what looms as a monster Winter Adoption Day in Earlwood on Sunday.

“I’m looking forward to seeing plenty of people down there and saying hello,” Cahill said.

“There’s no better way than to see for yourself what amazing animals they are and I know the GAP team has plenty of fun and activities organised for those planning to come along.

“It will be a great day out.”

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WINTER ADOPTION DAY – WITH TIM CAHILL

Date: Sunday, 13 August 2023

Time: 10:00am – 03:00pm

Where: Gough Whitlam Park Bayview Avenue, Earlwood, NSW

For more information visit: www.gapnsw.com.au