2021 Harmeet Shetra Shield kicks off in Woolgoolga
A tragedy three years ago has spawned a community event which continues to thrive on the Northern Beaches
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The life of much-loved Northern Beaches man Harmeet Shetra continues to be celebrated with a community sporting event created in his memory.
After Harmeet was tragically lost to suicide in 2018, friend Gurminder Saro created the Harmeet Shetra Memorial Shield day in an effort to bring the community together.
The event includes both soccer and touch football competitions in a fitting tribute to a man who was involved in numerous sporting teams across a variety of codes in Woolgoolga.
The first event kicked off in 2019, attracting teams as far away as Sydney and Brisbane.
Mr Saro said Harmeet was the ultimate competitor who never gave up no matter what the situation.
“He always believed he could win every single game, it didn’t matter what the score was. If you were playing soccer and five-nil down (he would say) ‘C’mon boys, we can do this’,” he said.
“He was just the type of guy you would want on your team.”
Mr Saro said the event was something the community needed and, judging by the turnout, it has been embraced with open arms.
More than 20 teams registered for the tournament and there was still well over 150 spectators as the competition reached the finals.
“This is all volunteer work, everyone has had to do something to make it happen and now it is here, it’s great,” he said.
“There are families here, we have a BBQ and that’s what (Harmeet) was about.”
With R U OK signs dotted around the fields, the event also carries an important message and Mr Saro said it also served as an opportunity to check in with friends.
The way in which the event is organised also encouraged people to work together and engage with their community, something Mr Saro is clearly passionate about.
“It’s OK to not feel OK and speak up, community wellbeing is at the forefront of everyone's mind,” he said.
“Be involved in your community. We live in such a great place, just get out there and be in it.”
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Indigenous elders reject Jetty Foreshores project on election eve
It’s a hard no to the state’s Coffs Jetty Foreshores plan from an elder, who’s spoken out on behalf of an Indigenous group hours from council elections. But a NSW government body has responded.
Epic call-out for koala enthusiasts
Fancy yourself a citizen scientist and can’t get enough of cuddly koalas? Grab the binoculars and torch because the parks and wildlife service need volunteers for this Mid-North Coast mission.