This season I was honored with the opportunity to travel to Australia! On behalf of the Vikings, Pro Tour Entertainment and the Department of Defense's Armed Forces Entertainment, I was able to travel alongside Alicia from the Rams, Heather from the Titans, and Tiana from the Redskins. We were like one big happy family right from the start! After our 14 hour flight from LA, we went straight to see the Koala Bears and Kangaroos and the Sydney Zoo!
The next day we took one more flight into Alice Springs Australia to meet MSG Dover who was our guide throughout our time in Australia- what a saint! Right away we visited the Norforce Australian Reserve Unit. There we met many of our US Military families and Australian Military families. They took us up to Anzac hill for a beautiful view of the town, and also gave us a tour ride through the rocky bush to see some other amazing overlooks of the city.
We were so excited to host the football and cheer clinic for the military families! It was so fun for everyone! We had the opportunity to teach girls and boys of all ages. Being able to bring a little bit of home to them was so special. During the cheer clinic we even found a great shady spot to dance, as it was incredibly hot in Alice Springs! (I even found a diehard Vikings fan or two there!)
The big event was Monday morning at 9:00 am- The SUPERBOWL! Even though it was 9:00 am in Australia we had a blast watching the big game at the town's movie theater. All of the military and their families were invited to hang with us, relax, and watch the game together. Although our Vikings we not at the Super bowl, I still wore my game day uniform Proud.
We made one last stop before leaving Alice Springs at the Kangaroo Sanctuary! Brolga gave us a tour of his own personal sanctuary where he has 13 baby Joeys, and several more Kangaroos hopping around! We even got to hold a few of them. How amazing!
This trip is something I will never forget. I am so honored to have met everyone that I did, and to be able to represent our wonderful Minnesota Vikings organization.
SKOL!
-Karen
5th year MVC
