Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Jai Arrow is about to turn 31.
When the former South Sydney forward reaches the milestone, on Sunday, July 12, the guest list includes everyone in the rugby league community. It has been dubbed the “world’s biggest birthday party”, and is part of the month-long “Jai July”, in aid of Arrow as he battles motor neurone disease.
Held at Accor Stadium, it will double as South Sydney’s round 19 clash against Newcastle. While both clubs are jockeying for finals berths, given the uphill battle faced by Arrow and his family, there will be more at stake.
“This will be a case of the game uniting behind our own,” said ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys. “We are a family.”
The game-day initiative is the centrepiece of a raft of activities that will be held in Arrow’s honour during the month of July. There’s a chance to bring two children to the game for free, a half-time performance from The Wiggles, an invitation to come onto the field at full-time and to be part of a world record attempt for the most party hats.
Arrow announced his NRL retirement after revealing the shock diagnosis in May. However, the former Maroons forward is still a constant presence at Rabbitohs training.
“Jai is in here training with the squad every single day,” South Sydney CEO Blake Solly said.
“That’s not only good for his health and his fight against MND, but also a huge inspiration for everyone at the club. The courage and conviction with which he is fighting this disease and how positive he continues to be around the club is extraordinary.
“He is still annoying Cody Walker every day, and we hope it continues well into the future. The birthday party on July 12th is a great way to celebrate one of the game’s great characters.”
Arrow’s Rabbitohs teammates got into the spirit when they hammed it up during a promotional photo shoot on Sunday. In classic post-try celebration style, Jack Wighton, Cameron Murray, Cody Walker and David Fifita posed with imaginary bow and arrows ahead of the big birthday bash.
Several corporates – including Budget Direct, Coca-Cola South Pacific and Trading Card licensee Select – have got behind the “Stand with Jai” initiatives, while fans have been urged to come to the birthday party armed with donations – which can be made at familyofleague.org.au/stand-with-jai – rather than presents.
“Jai and his family need our help, and they will get it,” V’landys said. “One of the best things about rugby league is its ability to unite for an important cause and they do not get more important than this.
“On July 12, we will throw the biggest birthday party in the world for Jai. It will be a huge occasion with the whole game involved. This is not just for Rabbitohs and Knights fans – it’s for everyone in the game to get behind. Don’t bring presents. Bring a donation. And help Jai get through this with everyone in the rugby league community behind him.”
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