Rebecca
David (Leader - Dandenong)
 |
|
Theo,
11, and Jayden, 12, are helping to raise funds for
Sonal's cricket pitch. |
THERE
was nothing Springvale South lad Sonal De Mel loved more
than the sound of leather on willow.
But while the 11-year-old battled illness to make his school
cricket team and religiously observed the 7.30am training
sessions, he never got the chance to step onto the pitch
for a match.
In June the Year 5 student died tragically due to rare heart
complications.
Paying tribute to the youngster, Springvale South Primary
School aims to create a cricket pitch in his honour.
A yearly tournament in his name between current and former
students is also planned with an award for the most determined
player.
But Year 5/6 teacher Chanel Hicks said the school needed
money to make the dream reality.
``We also aim to buy uniforms for the tournament, he was
an avid Collingwood supporter so we want to incorporate
the black and white colours,'' Ms Hicks said.
She thanked Ian Fitzgerald from Sports Services Australia
for discounting the price of laying the pitch.
Throughout his life Sonal also battled Sacral Agenesis and
Caudal Regression Syndrome, a disorder caused by the abnormal
development of the lower spine.
Although the condition sometimes required him to use a walking
frame or wheelchair, he would not let that stand in his
way.
``He had a walking frame that he sometimes had to use, but
Sonal didn't walk anywhere, he ran,'' said principal Ruby
Toombs.
While the De Mel family has donated money towards the project,
the remainder of the funds depend on school fundraisers
and community donations.
``Sonal was a role model to the other children for his persistence
and determination,'' said Ms Toombs.
``This is a tangible way of acknowledging that he was one
of us and continues to be one of us.''
The school aimed to play the inaugural match in early December.
Springvale South Primary School will hold a sausage sizzle
on election day, November 24.
To contribute to Sonal's memorial cricket pitch telephone:
9547 1224.
Love of sport and others
A BORN comedian with a love of sport, Sonal De Mel was loved
by all at Springvale South Primary School.
But behind the one-liners was a generous soul who wanted
to look after the sick and disabled.
His mum Sonia said he wanted to become a pastor and loved
to write.
``He was also very clever in his school studies he loved
writing stories and had a dream of getting them published
so others could read them,'' she said.
A full-blooded Magpies fan, he idolised Anthony Rocca and
loved his pet chihuahua, Pebbles.
But when it came to his first love cricket Sonal's allegiance
lay with the Sri Lankans and his heroes ``Murali'' Muttiah
Muralitharan and Lasith Malinga
Principal Ruby Toombs said the boy's premature death, due
to a leak in his aorta, devastated his classmates.
``The children closest to him felt it the most, when they
graduate next year it will be difficult because they will
be thinking, Sonal should have been here with us,'' she
said.
Theo, 11, remembered Sonal as a ``very funny and a good
mate''.
``If someone was feeling lonely or didn't have anyone to
play with he would go up to them and play with them,'' he
said.
``He was really easy to get along with,'' said Jayden, 12.
Shortly before his death, the Grade 5 student wowed his
mates on school camp playing the harmonica.
School councillor Toula Avdoulos said it was on this trip
that he also conquered his fear of the flying fox. ``His
bravery inspired a lot of the other kids.''
Courtesy - SNNI |