Force's O'Young takes the Philippines to heart
Western Force scrum-half Chris O'Young has returned home from a typhoon-devastated Philippines with an enriched outlook on life as he prepares for his fifth season in Super 14 competition in WA.
O'Young, who is looking forward to sharing scrum-half duties with new recruit Brett Sheehan this season, has had a busy few months playing club rugby in Sydney before taking off on a trip to help expand rugby throughout the Asian region.
With a half-Asian background, the 28-year-old feels it is his duty to assist in the development of the game among communities which don't have the same privileges or opportunities as players in Australia.
He is also excited about his own prospects for the season, having previously competed with Matt Henjak and John Valentine for the scrum-half job. He is now looking forward to challenging Sheehan for the role.
"We have a fantastic new group. I feel refreshed after four months of club rugby in Sydney," O'Young said.
"I'm overcoming some niggling injuries after straining a medial ligament during the semifinals in Sydney but the recovery is well on the way.
"There is something new and fresh in the club with so many new players which will be boosted when our Wallabies return."
He said the trip to the Philippines was an experience he would never forget and he has already committed to another trip to China with the Australasian Rugby Association, a not-for-profit organisation assisting with the development of rugby in the region.
"I'm passionate about giving back to these communities especially giving underprivileged kids some direction in life through sport," O'Young said.
Many of the children O'Young spent time with grew up in orphanages and haven't had much encouragement in life or anyone to give them direction and purpose.
He said sport was one way many of the children could lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
"There was so much raw talent among the players who have had virtually no coaching to speak of but have developed skills to such a remarkably high level," he said.
O'Young arrived in Manila in the wake of deadly typhoon Parma.
He said the devastation was evident everywhere but hope remained wherever he went, including a technical college and the Bahay Bata Orphanage where underprivileged children and young adults were provided with food, shelter, education and, most importantly, hope for the future.
