Gallery: Toads unite for heartfelt tribute to Brooke
THE heart and strength of the Nambour Toads Rugby Union Club were on full display on Saturday as players, families and supporters gathered to honour former player Brooke Day.
Brooke, 22, was killed in a ski lift accident in Japan early this year.
Her parents, Deanne and Warren Day, sister Emma and brother Cain joined Brooke’s former teammates for the club’s Ladies, Old Boys & Sponsors Day – Day for Brooke #53.
The occasion combined a celebration of the women who support the club with a moving tribute to a young woman remembered for her courage, humour and ability to make everyone feel welcome.
The senior women opened the day with a comfortable 73-nil victory over University, after players were escorted onto the field by parents, mothers or grandmothers.
Following the match, Brooke’s teammates delivered a tribute from the club.
“For those lucky enough to know her, Brooke wasn’t simply just a teammate. She was one of the hearts of our team,” they said.
“Brooke played rugby the same way she lived her life. Hard, humble, fearless, and full of heart.”
The players recalled Brooke’s fearless runs, contagious laugh and the pride she felt wearing Nambour’s red and white jersey.
“Although your boots can no longer run beside ours, your spirit always will,” they said.
Club president Greg Wright announced the Brooke Day Memorial Shield would be presented annually to the most valuable player in the women’s match, recognising performance as well as Brooke’s commitment, teamwork, sportsmanship and passion.
Warren Day presented the inaugural award to Beth McKenna, who crossed for four tries.
“It’s been quite overwhelming, the support and love that we’ve received today,” Mr Day said.
“The award, it’s inaugural and it will continue for as long as the Toads do. And – for as long as my two feet touch this ground – I’ll be part of it.”
The celebration of women continued throughout the afternoon, with colts and senior men escorted onto the field by their mothers, grandmothers, wives or girlfriends.
The club also welcomed its 1000th member, Lucas Kirkwood, and recognised new life members Jarran “Cheeky” Preston and Greg Wright.
More than $20,000 was raised towards new women’s change rooms through support from Vantage Building Group and the auction of the senior men’s jerseys.
For a club that was struggling for numbers not so long ago, the turnout and emotion of the day showed how far the Toads have come – and was a credit to President Greg Wright and the spirit he has helped to engender.
