Coinciding with this, founder and CEO of ONTHEGO (OTG), an Australian sports apparel manufacturer, Mick Spencer selected the PCYC to receive $3000 toward its programs of helping disadvantaged young people.

Rob Scott from Goulburn PCYC was excited about the gift. It will be shared between Goulburn and the region’s clubs.

Mick Spencer’s own life is an example of someone who had difficulties as a child, suffering with extreme short-sightedness and other health problems. Sport played a huge part in his childhood and helped him push through his disabilities to where he is today. He wants to give other kids the same opportunity as he was afforded.

He is deeply passionate about empowering and connecting the world through team sport and team wear and has provided tens of thousands of grassroots teams, athletes, corporate companies and charities with bespoke sporting apparel.

As a young child Mr Spencer had to wear coke bottle glasses, which helped him to see, but did nothing for his self esteem in the playground. At 13 he was able to get contact lenses that allowed him to play sport like rugby, which he loved. But at 14 he was diagnosed with a heart condition that ruled out further participation in team sport.

“I failed my HSC but my passion for business and love of sport lead me to start ONTHEGO,” Mr Spencer said. 

“After the HSC I volunteered as a sports instructor in a kids camp in Hawaii where I got to teach kids from underprivileged backgrounds about sport. Helping others to enjoy sport has always been something that gives me a positive focus and I love to be able to share that enjoyment which I have personally experienced with others.

“Our company has grown to a successful multi-million dollar business employing 30 staff and on International Sports for Peace and Development Day it gives me pleasure to provide this assistance through Rob Scott and the PCYC.

“The $3000 is going to PCYC Goulburn in OTG sponsored custom sports apparel. PCYC Goulburn and Rob Scott will then determine how they want to split it between the clubs.”

Mr Scott said the PCYC was very grateful.

“It will be used to buy uniforms for our athletes, who might otherwise struggle to meet the costs of their sport,” he said. 

“How it will be distributed is yet to be determined but making kids feel the part in a uniform goes a long way to lifting self esteem. Giving young people a chance is what the PCYC is about and Mick Spencer believes strongly in this. Terry Campese introduced me to Mick Spencer and OTG sports apparel who can custom design to team needs.”