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The Friday 400 community turned out in force at Maroubra Beach on the weekend, pushing harder and further than ever to raise vital funds for cancer research and among those supporting this year's rowing challenge was Australian rugby league star Jai Arrow.
The former South Sydney and Queensland Origin player joined the Friday 400 community at Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club for the event in support of The Kids' Cancer Project and the Mark Hughes Foundation, a remarkable day that raised more than $247,195 for life-saving research.
"It’s a great initiative. We have everyone down here rowing. I've done one minute, and that is all I'll be doing," he said with a laugh.
With former Newcastle Knights and NSW State of Origin player Mark Hughes, and former Waratahs, Brumbies and Wallabies representative Owen Finegan leading the Mark Hughes Foundation and The Kids’ Cancer Project respectively, using their sporting profiles to raise awareness and support was high on the agenda.
After recently revealing his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Jai has chosen to speak openly about the challenges ahead, using his platform to raise awareness of the condition and the importance of research. His honesty has resonated across the rugby league community, inspiring an outpouring of support from teammates, fans and the wider public.
"The amount of support has been overwhelming in a really good way. I truly am so appreciative, and I can't thank Australia enough,” he said.
Speaking to the TODAY Show on Saturday morning at the Friday 400 Rowing Challenge, Jai reflected on the power of community and awareness in the wake of his own diagnosis and its ability to drive hope.
"I love what they are doing down here," he says. "The vibes are high, everyone's getting around it."
Jai's willingness to share his story, while lending his support to an event funding life-saving cancer research, is a powerful reminder of the role community plays in driving hope and impact. Whether it's raising awareness, supporting one another or funding the next breakthrough, every person involved is helping make a difference.
It’s another beautiful moment to see the community come together; it truly is amazing to see what a community can do.
The Kids' Cancer Project CEO, Owen Finegan, who rowed alongside Jai Arrow, Mark Hughes and his Friday 400 community, said, “As a former professional sportsperson, I've seen firsthand the incredible power of sport to bring people together. But what Jai Arrow has inspired for MND, and in this instance, cancer, goes far beyond the game. He's united an entire community around something far greater than football – giving hope to children, young adults and families facing cancer. The generosity, passion and selflessness shown by everyone who has rallied behind Jai is a powerful reminder that when a community comes together with purpose, extraordinary things can happen. That's the spirit that changes lives, and we're incredibly grateful to stand alongside it.”
