Adam Watene Fund

Adam Watene Fund

Following Adam Watene’s untimely death on 13th October 2008 a Fund was set up to enable monies to be raised to help secure the future of his young children, Arana and Ena.

To date, the Fund has received numerous donations from not only the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats & Castleford Tigers fans, but from many members of the wider ‘Rugby League’ family and general public. The family have been overwhelmed at the support shown to them and have been deeply touched at the generosity and support that has been given to Adam’s Fund.

We are pleased to announce that, Wakefield Trinity Rugby League FC have been successful in their application for Adam Watene to be awarded a Posthumous Testimonial by the Rugby Football League.

The Testimonial will officially start on the 1st December 2008 and will finish on the 30 November 2009. The Fund is in the process of finalising a number of Events that will not only raise money for Adam’s young family, but it will also endeavour to be a celebration of Adam’s Career and Life.

In addition to the Events several items of merchandise will be produced which will be on sale over the course of the year. We are hoping to finalise a list of merchandise which should be fitting, to a great servant of our game and City.

Awareness Wrist Bands have been produced and will soon be on sale in the Wakefield & Castleford Club shops for £2 and all proceeds will go directly to the Fund. . The wrist bands will also be on sale at all testimonial events or direct from Committee members Sue Parker, Jason Demetriou, Willie and Maraea Poching, Martin Sowerby and Clr Clive Hudson.

Squad Captain and Fund Committee Member, Jason Demetriou states,‘The Fund has a number of quality events that they will be organising and promoting. We want to ensure that the types of events we organise encapsulate the down to earth, family man that Adam was’.

Kicking the calendar off, will be a donation from gate proceeds from of Boxing Day Clash between the Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Headingly. Both clubs are very generously donating £1 for every paying supporter that attends the Boxing Day clash. In addition a bucket collection has been organised prior to the game by supporters of both clubs.

There is also to be a Charity half football/ half tag rugby game on Sunday 11 January at Belle Vue featuring members of the cast of Emmerdale Cast as well as a whole host of sports personalities past and present vs a Wakefield/Cas team. Entry is £5.00 and tickets are available at the club shop now.

Perhaps most fittingly arranged, is a match between the two main club’s Adam played for during his time in England. On the 25th January, Castleford & Wakefield will play a ‘Friendly for ‘The Adam Watene Memorial Cup’. Teams will play for a specially designed Cup that represents Adam’s cultural backgrounds and family. This will be an emotional game between two sets of Clubs and Supporters with whom Adam was extremely popular.

Adams family will also be guests of honour at a Curry Night to be held in Cats Bar on Thursday 22 January. JD recalls ‘Adam came to the Curry Night organised for Johnny Thompson. There was food, laughter and entertainment. It would be fitting to re-create that night knowing Adam enjoyed the last one so much’. Tickets will be priced at £20 per head and are available by sending a cheque to the address below.

Members of the Fund would also like to make the public aware that they ARE the official Fund recognised by Adam’s family, and encourage anyone wishing to show support for Adam’s family to contact the Fund.
Once again we would like to thank all of those who have shown their support and look forward to a bumper year for Adams family.

Donations can still be made by sending cheques payable to Adam Watene Fund c/o 16 Pinders Grove, Wakefield WF1 4AH or by donation direct to the Adam Watene Fund ,Yorkshire Bank Account Number 27197146 sort code 05-09-62..