Doran’s sporting a dream
A YOUNG cricketer rising to the top of his game in Tasmania has not forgotten the western Sydney community he grew up in.
Hills Shire
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hills Shire. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A YOUNG cricketer rising to the top of his game in Tasmania has not forgotten the western Sydney community he grew up in.
The Jake Doran Foundation was set up by the 19-year-old left-hander, who was born in Blacktown and signed with Tasmania last year.
Doran set up his foundation about a year ago after spending about three years planning it.
“Since moving down to Tasmania I have wanted to give back to my community ... and try and help out more than just where I grew up,” he said.
The foundation’s Chance 4 Kids program was designed to help disadvantaged children, in western Sydney and broader Australia, use sport as a vessel to learn life skills and improve mental health.
It has already helped 30 families participate in sport.
“At a young age I was given a lot of opportunities … and I realised that not every kid gets the opportunity to play sport at their local club,” Doran said.
The cricketer, who became the youngest player to sign a Big Bash League contract when he joined Sydney Thunder in 2014, said his foundation aimed to “bridge that gap” to make it easier for children to participate in sport.
The Hills Sports High alumni said sport had helped him overcome “troubling times” as a teenager.
“If I wasn’t doing well, there was always sport there to help me and now I can help more than just myself,” he said.
The foundation holds gala days for children to try different sports and provides scholarships to help cover costs of playing.
“We are looking at every sort of way we can get involved,” Doran said.
The Jake Doran Foundation will hold its first two major fundraisers in the Hills – a dinner and a golf day – in September and October.
A JDF Function Night will be held at the Castle Hill RSL on September 23 from 7pm.
The night will include a three-course meal, auctions, prizes and entertainment by comedian Mike Meredith and singer Mindi Jackson.
Tickets cost $120 each or $1000 for a table of 10.
The JDF Golf Day will be held on October 7 from 8am at Lynwood Golf Club with food, beverages and prizes available throughout the day.
Tickets cost $75 per person.
Purchase tickets for either events online.
Rugby match played more than a decade ago still inspiring Waratah young gun
He was just a kid but Teddy Wilson remembers in detail a special Waratahs game played 11 year ago. Now he’s hoping to be part of one that inspires other young fans to love rugby the way he does.
‘Not going to walk into a position’: Super Rugby W readies for Sevens superstars
Super Rugby women’s expansion plans are on the table as the 2025 competition prepares for an invasion of Sevens superstars hunting Wallaroos spots and players determined to thwart them.