By NOEL MURPHY
EMOTION and selflessness have marked a massive community desire to help South Barwon footballer Casey Tutungi, struck down a quadriplegic after a recent on-field clash.
A trust fund has been set up to help finance equipment he will need in the future and his family has praised the outpouring of “love and support” from across Geelong.
“We are humbled by the response and this is testament to the respect and admiration Casey has earned,” parents Chris and Carol Tutungi said.
Tutungi was injured three weeks ago when he ran into the stomach of an opposition St Joseph’s player.
His parents announced his devastating prognosis this week, saying a website had been set up at caseytutungi.com together with a Facebook page to keep the public updated on their son’s condition and progress.
They issued a statement explaining the quadriplegic status after sustaining severe spinal cord damage at the C4/C5 junction and news “no parent of an active, strong, vital 27-year-old wants to hear”.
The Tutungis’ pride in their son was evident, as they released a sporting CV full of best and fairest, most courageous and other accolades that saw him play and coach at clubs from Lorne through Springvale, the Geelong Football Club VFL and South Barwon.
“Casey loves football,” they said.
“Ever since he pulled on his first pair of boots for the Lorne Football Club as a junior, he has lived for the game.
“There has been an outpouring of love for Casey from our local community and the wider Geelong region.”
The Tutungis were anxious to support Casey’s partner Bridget, who is expecting their first grandchild in November.
Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott was one of many to emotionally express support for Tutungi, even struggling at this week’s Simonds Stadium Cats press conference to find the words to describe his players’ reaction to the Swans co-coach’s devastating prognosis.
“I’m lost for words a little bit,” he said. “It’s just a brutally hard situation to face for everyone involved and our heart goes out to Casey and his family.
“But everyone in the Geelong community and particularly the Geelong footy club will be racking their brains to work out ways we can help the Tutungi family.”
Donations to the Casey Tutungi Future Fund may be made at any branch of the Bendigo Bank or via the website.
