The Vietnam Swans take pride in our ongoing involvement across a wide range of community causes. From the very south of the Mekong to the North of Vietnam, find out more in our mid-season update!
Continuing Support for Swim Vietnam
The Vietnam Swans have been long time supporters of Swim Vietnam. Swim Vietnam is doing incredible work advancing water safety in Vietnam. In the last 6 months, they’ve trained over 1500 school-aged children in Central Vietnam. They’ve also trained over 500 local teachers on water safety knowledge and survival swimming skills.
Swim Vietnam is continuing to work hard during the latter half of 2018. They’re expecting to teach 1500-1700 more children and train another 100+ teachers in water safety and swimming.
The Vietnam Swans are proud to contribute to the ongoing efforts of this amazing charity. You can also donate directly to Swim Vietnam here.
Western Sydney Uni, The Australian Consulate and Green Bamboo Shelter
It was a great morning at RMIT Vietnam recently as we welcomed a visiting student group from Western Sydney University to provide a clinic for children from the local Green Bamboo Shelter and Double Happiness. In support of activities surrounding the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam, it was also an honour to have the Australian Consul-General, Karen Lanyon and Shaun Fitzgerald attending from the Australian Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City .
The boys settled straight into Australian Rules Footy with an introduction provided by big Vinh #1. Vinh is one of our star local players and has steadily improved his skills and understanding of the game. He’s also travelled to represent the Vietnam Swans and the IndoChina Bulldogs in Thailand, Philippines, China, Malaysia and other countries across the region.
The skills shown by the young boys were outstanding and we’re hoping we can some more regular sessions! After 2 hours of footy and some awards presented by Karen and Shaun, the boys demolished a table full of Al Frescos pizzas before heading back for a well earned afternoon rest.
A huge thanks also go to the Greater Western Sydney Giants for supplying mini sherrins and drink bottles for the boys. Fans for life!
Centre for Protection of Children in Vung Tau
Each season we make at least one journey over to the Centre for Protection of Children. Its a special place that the Swans and Australian Veterans have supported over many years. After our big Anzac Day game against the Thailand Tigers, the boys headed over to check in on the kids. Smiles all around!
Volunteering in the Mekong: The Thanh Loc Project
A few of the young guns (and not-so-young guns) are heading down to the Mekong to volunteer with The Thanh Loc Project. Club members Rod Stone and Micka have been regulars on this trip for years and have built an incredibly strong relationship with the communities in Kien Giang and Hau Giang Provinces.
The main focus for the trip in August will be a house for a family and building critical infrastructure at a local kindergarten and primary school. Each of these projects support disadvantaged members of the community and will have a transformative impact on their lives.
Its an inspiring story that we’ll provide more updates later this year. Well done to Rod, Micka, Oscar, Shane and Tommy Watson for contributing their time and expertise to the cause.
The Swans Back to Training
Training is now back on every Saturday in Saigon leading up to the Indochina Cup in Phnom Penh (September 1st) and the Asian Championships in Kl (13th of October). As always, new members are welcome!
Don’t Forget: September 29 for the Swan’s AFL Grand Final Function
Plans for the Swan’s AFL Grand Final Function are in place. Come along to either of our functions in Hanoi or Saigon to celebrate the end of the professional league season in Australia! Full details are available here. Online tickets have just been added for Saigon.
Finally, we’ve been presented with a GWS playing jersey that has been signed by all players. This will be up for grabs during the auction at the Saigon function. We’ve just added online ticketing for the Saigon function… so why not just grab a few tickets right now??
