Bell Park, Newtown & Chilwell unite for Zoe Kennedy Tribute Day

We finally got to hold the Zoe Kennedy Tribute Match on Saturday 2nd April 2022, raising over $20,000 for the Zoe Kennedy Foundation. Newtown Chilwell and Bell Park Dragons Netballers and Footballers donned purple socks and bibs on the day and even released doves as a special tribute.

The response was overwhelming: from raffle donations to food trucks, to attendees (over 1000 attendees on the day - apparently breaking a Bell Park record!), it was fantastic to see the support for Zoe.

Geelong Advertiser - April 3, 2022

Bell Park host the inaugural Zoe Kennedy Tribute Game against Newtown & Chilwell

It was “mixed emotions” for Lachie Kennedy as Bell Park and Newtown & Chilwell united for Tribute Day in honour of his daughter, Zoe, at the weekend.

Zoe, a junior premiership captain with the Eagles, died from a fatal asthma attack in 2020.

The clubs will now clash on an annual basis to remember Zoe and raise funds and awareness of the dangers of asthma.

“Mixed emotions, from proud to probably emotional to sad, but at the same time it’s been amazing,” Kennedy said.

“Bell Park and Newtown have been phenomenal how they’ve embraced it.

“It’s one of those moments you can’t really explain.”

The respective A Grade netball sides united with both clubs’ under-17 side for a pre-game ceremony, doves being released to honour Zoe.

Trophies were presented to Newtown & Chilwell’s A Grade netball and senior footy sides following their wins, while best on court medals were presented to a member of each side after the netball clash.

“The great thing about today is just the awareness and everyone understanding the seriousness that asthma is, it’s pretty critical,” Kennedy said.