Warriors Give Smiles to Sick Kids

Sick children in Rotorua got to meet some of their sporting heroes on Saturday 22nd January 2011 when several Warriors players paid a visit.

Kevin Locke, Jerome Ropati, Aaron Heremaia and Pita Godinet made some young fans happy when they checked in on children at Rotorua Hospital and families at the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Ngongotaha.

They were in Rotorua to promote the Warriors' clash with Parramatta at Rotorua's International Stadium on February 12.

Promotion organiser Crispian Stewart said it was "a really good day. The players spent a few hours at the hospital ward and also got to go to the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat before going to Lakeside."

Mr. Stewart said everyone involved enjoyed the day. "When we were at the hospital some of the staff had brought their kids along and the children and the families there really enjoyed it.

"The Warriors also really enjoyed visiting the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat. They took the time to talk to the kids and the families."

Ronald McDonald Family Retreat committee member Darryl Pierce said the families staying at the Ngongotaha retreat houses were delighted by the special visit.

"Out of all the families we have had stay at the houses, these are the two that were most into rugby league," he said. "The families were over the moon."

Mr Pierce said the league players were great ambassadors for their team. "They did an awesome job and the families were rapt."