CLEARY REJOICES AS NATHAN PLEDGES $4M TO FOUNDATION FOR DISABILITY DAY GALA
Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has expressed immense joy as star player Nathan Cleary pledged $4 million to the Panthers Foundation to mark International Day of Persons with Disability – a gesture timed to coincide with the club’s Play Like A Panther Gala Day at CommBank Stadium.
The father-son duo joined forces to celebrate the global day of recognition, with the foundation partnering with Zenn Ability to host the special event that engaged local students with disability in Western Sydney. More than 170 students attended the Gala Day, supported by Panthers Foundation Participation Presenting Partner Zenn Ability and Principal Partner Commonwealth Bank, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“I’m just so proud – not just as his coach, but as his dad – to see Nathan make this commitment,” Ivan Cleary said, his voice filled with emotion. “This foundation does incredible work, and to see our captain step up in such a big way on a day that means so much to so many people is truly special. It’s what being a Panther is all about – giving back to the community that raised us.”
Participants had the opportunity to channel their Penrith Panthers’ heroes by emerging from the sheds, wearing a gifted Panthers jersey, onto the playing field of CommBank Stadium, where they participated in a range of rugby league drills and physical activities. Nathan Cleary was on hand to run sessions alongside teammates including Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o, guiding students through passing, catching and tackling drills in a safe, inclusive environment.
The $4 million pledge will fund the expansion of the foundation’s disability programs over the next four years, enabling thousands more young people to access sport and recreation opportunities. “Everyone deserves the chance to play, to feel part of a team and to experience the joy that sport brings,” Nathan Cleary said. “This pledge is about making sure that happens for as many kids with disability as possible in our region.”
The day capped off a successful 2025 for the Foundation that saw over 750 young people with a disability take part in programs across Penrith, Bathurst, Mudgee and now CommBank Stadium. Zenn Ability CEO Emma Roberts described the event as a “game-changer” for local families. “To see these kids run out onto the same field as their heroes, with the support of a club that truly cares, is something we’ll never forget,” she said.
As the Gala Day wrapped up with a group photo on the CommBank Stadium turf, Ivan Cleary summed up the mood: “Today is what it’s all about – football bringing people together, and making a real difference in lives.”
