Old Girl Honoured with 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award
POSTED November 26 2024 , News, Old Girls
色情直播软件大全鈥檚 Old Girl, Madi Scanlon (鈥18), has been recognised with the prestigious 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for her exceptional contributions to community service. Madi, who plays AFLW for the Fremantle Dockers, received the honour during the W Awards in Melbourne, a fitting acknowledgment of her commitment to empowering others and creating meaningful change.
The Jim Stynes Award is presented annually to an AFL or AFLW player who demonstrates the values of the late Melbourne champion – leadership, empathy, and a commitment to community. Madi鈥檚 work as a Sporting Mentor at Melaleuca Women鈥檚 Prison and her role as a volunteer surf instructor with Ocean Heroes exemplify these qualities.
Since September 2023, Madi has regularly visited Melaleuca Women鈥檚 Prison, where she runs football clinics designed to foster teamwork, connection and wellbeing among inmates. With up to 95% of the prison population being survivors of physical and sexual violence, her sessions offer a rare opportunity for participants to experience camaraderie and the joy of physical activity in a supportive environment. Her leadership has also inspired several participants to join sporting teams after their release, helping them build a sense of belonging and confidence as they reintegrate into the community.
Madi鈥檚 contributions extend beyond the football field. As a volunteer with Ocean Heroes, she helps children on the autism spectrum experience the benefits of organised sport in a safe and inclusive environment. In a 24-hour swim event for the organisation, Madi and her fellow volunteers raised an incredible $215,000, ensuring Ocean Heroes can continue offering free and transformative activities for neurodiverse communities across Australia.
For her efforts, Madi will receive $40,000 to donate to a charity or community program of her choice, further amplifying her impact.
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon commended her achievements, saying, 鈥淢adi should feel very proud of the positive impact she鈥檚 having in the community. Her work at Melaleuca Women鈥檚 Prison and with Ocean Heroes showcases her leadership and her dedication to helping others.鈥
Fremantle Dockers CEO Simon Garlick echoed the sentiment, describing Madi as 鈥渁n unwavering force for good in our community.鈥 He added, 鈥淗er work reflects the values we hold dear at Fremantle. The Club and the Freo Family couldn鈥檛 be prouder of her incredible efforts.鈥
Jim Stynes Foundation Chair Russel Howcroft also praised Madi, saying, 鈥淪he truly embodies the values Jim stood for鈥攅mpathy, courage, and service. Her dedication to creating positive change makes her an outstanding recipient of this award.鈥
Madi鈥檚 story is a testament to the power of sport to inspire and transform lives. As a proud 色情直播软件大全鈥檚 Old Girl, her leadership and compassion reflect the values instilled during her school years. She stands as a role model for the next generation, proving that even beyond the game, the impact of an individual can ripple through communities and change lives.