Guest of honour Sam Kekovich
The Kawana Park Eagles marked their recent tenth birthday with a weekend of celebrations.
Events kicked off on Saturday night with a formal cocktail evening at the Fourth Floor Restaurant Mooloolaba with 180 guests rocking up to make the most of the entertainment provided.
Sam Kekovich was the guest of honour for the night and delighted the crowd with his view of Australia, how vital volunteers are to its foundations and his days playing AFL.
Kekovich is a former North Melbourne AFL player who took out the club best and fairest in 1969 going on to represent Victoria and also claiming the clubs leading goal kicker in the same year.
“People like all of you that are here tonight are what we as Australia is made of, you giving up your weekends for the sake of sport and your children are just great…” Kekovich said.
“When I was contacted to be here tonight I was honoured, honoured that I could be a part of this milestone and assist this great club.”
With many laughs, smiles, gasps and the occasional snort during the Kekovich spiel it is easy to say that his presence was enjoyed by all.
Lamb was conveniently served up for main course, much to the delight of Australia’s lamb man- Sam Kekovich.
The night rolled on with amazing food and various addresses by club identities that have played a valuable part in the short but successful history of the club.
Club President, Paul Meehan said that the night was reflective of how far the club has come and recognised all of the individuals that made it happen.
“Starting out at the Chancellor Park Eagles as a dad when my son began playing Under 8s I was happy to turn up, have a coffee and read the paper on Sunday mornings and watch him play some footy,” Meehan said.
“Not long after that I was approached to coach the Under 8s and from there I guess I was promoted to Club President… I am proud of everything that this club has achieved and the depth of quality volunteers that we have contributing every weekend.”
Paul Meehan was inducted as the first life member of the Kawana Park Eagles.
“I am humbled in receiving this recognition but I believe it is a reflection of the entire club and all of the hard working volunteers I have had the privilege of working with.”
As the first life member of the Eagles, Paul still has some major developments for the facility in the pipe line.
Event Coordinator and Eagles Fundraising Coordinator, Debbie Linton was thrilled with the evening and everyone involved.
“Saturday night was a funny night thanks to Sam Kekovich, he was brilliant and MC, David Moles did a pretty good job too,” Linton said.
“The night was a screaming success with plenty of laughs and some touching moments, it was a pleasure to be a part of recognising Paul Meehan as the first ever life member of the Eagles, he is an inspiring, selfless leader.
“It was great to see the Caloundra Panthers in attendance on our night of nights and also the many other familiar faces of past Eagles.
“It is great to see so many people still supporting the club that they have all played a part in building.”
The fun filled weekend continued with a massive carnival celebration at the Eagles nest on Sunday kicking off from 8:30am with the NAB AFL Auskickers treated to the ultimate AFL experience with AFL Queensland inflatable equipment and a visit from Bernie GABBA Vegas.
In excess of 500 people filtered through the Kawana Waters State College facility on the day with perfect weather conditions for footy.
“The sun was shining and the smiles were everywhere as every Eagles team played on their home turf for the first time in one day,” Linton said.
“At one point in the morning I stood back just to take it all in and felt extremely proud to be a part of what was unfolding in front of me, it was great to see so many people still working hard to support the club.”
As the day wore on the Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s, Under 14s, Under 15 Youth Girls and Under 16s all played exceptional games and wrapped up the birthday celebrations in terrific style.
“I cannot thank everyone enough that played some sort of a part in such an amazing weekend for the Eagles,” Linton said.
“It was a success in every way possible and so many people worked so hard in their spare time to make sure we had a weekend to remember… from setting up the grounds, slaving in the canteen or spending weeks making the banners.
“Kawana Park Eagles are such an amazing club to be associated with and I am extremely honoured to be involved.”
Congratulations to the Kawana Park Eagles for a terrific weekend of celebrations!
