Wagga Netball community rally around family after Sophia King’s tragic death
A netball club will hold a fundraiser to support the family of young player Sophia King whose sudden death last month has devastated those who knew and loved her. Find out how you can help.
The Wagga News
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A netball club will hold a fundraiser to support the family of young player Sophia King whose sudden death last month has devastated those who knew and loved her.
Wagga Reddies Netball Club president Kerry Thomas said the nine-year-old would play her match, and then - as the mascot for her mother’s team - would cheer her mum and teammates on.
Sophia tragically passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at her Wagga home on June 3.
“It was a tragic loss for the club as Sophia would always be amongst it. She would watch her mum play after her mum would coach her team,” Mrs Thomas said.
“We miss her greatly, it was hard trying to explain her death to her teammates and kids in other teams due to them not understanding what has happened to her.
“It was tough for other parents and the club especially in the first week after hearing the sad news of her death, it’s left us in a state of shock.”
The club, and sponsor Sportsmen’s Club Hotel, have teamed up to hold a major fundraising drive to help Sophia’s family with medical and other expenses.
The fundraiser will include a silent auction, live music and every time somebody orders Sophia’s favourite meal - chicken nuggets - $1 of that purchase will be donated towards the family.
Mrs Thomas said she hoped the community would band together to support the fundraiser.
“I hope everyone can come down to the Sporties and even donate a gold coin because all the extra support we can get will help out the family greatly,” she said.
“There will be raffles on offer including prizes.”
Mrs Thomas said there will be a future event called ‘Sophia Day’ which would pay tribute to the young girl on August 27 at the netball club.
The silent auction event will be held at the Sportsmen’s Club hotel, 107 Kincaid St Wagga, this Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
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