Giants pack special visits into schedule

SPREADING smiles to children's faces all over the city, GWS will embark on a whirlwind tour of Wagga schools just minutes after the squad touches down tomorrow.

However, a visit to a special group of children at the Wagga Base Hospital is bound to capture the hearts of the Giants.

Speaking yesterday, Riverina development manager Marc Geppert said the idea to send the Giants to the children's ward is purely about cheering up the sick and injured young fans.

"We just thought we'd change it up a bit. We do plenty of school visits and chat about sports and stuff but we thought we would head up to the children's ward," he said.

"We went up there a few years ago when the Swans were in town and they absolutely loved it.

"It's not about promoting the game, they can just generally have a chat and sign autographs and make the kids feel a bit better.

"We're doing the same thing with the Kurrajong Waratah industries ... they're very keen on their AFL and we thought it'd be a great idea to get the players there."

Ahead of the NAB Cup clash with Brisbane Lions at Robertson Oval on Saturday, the squad will also divide into seven groups to visit 15 Wagga primary schools in less than two hours.

The squad will arrive at Wagga Airport about 9.25am tomorrow and will be at Forest Hill Public School and Lake Albert Public School by 9.50am.

Giants will then attend the official opening of Robertson Oval at 4pm, which will also include AFL skills stations, a free barbecue and a meet and greet for players and supporters.

GIANTS SCHEDULE

9.50am: Forest Hill Public, Lake Albert Public

10am: Wagga Public, Henschke Primary, Wagga Christian College, Sacred Heart Primary

10.30am: Mount Austin Public, Kurrajong Waratah, Mater Dei Primary

10:40am: North Wagga Public, Turvey Park Primary, Sturt Public

10.45am: Wagga Base Hospital children’s ward

11.10am: South Wagga Public, Lutheran Primary

11.20am: St Josephs Primary, Kooringal Public