COLES COMMITTED TO FUELLING AUSTRALIAN ATHLETICS INTO 2021
Published Mon 19 Oct 2020
Coles have reaffirmed it’s commitment to fostering and fuelling Australian Athletics into a fourth year. The partnership extension is a significant boost for the sport in a year plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Announced today alongside Australian Athletics Champions Sally Pearson and World Champion Kelsey-Lee Barber, the announcement encouraged kids of all abilities and background to get back into sport this summer.
The partnership agreements with Little Athletics Australia and Athletics Australia will provide financial support to build grassroots athletics across the country at more than 500 Little Athletics centres, in schools and with Indigenous and para-athletes.
Little Athletics Australia CEO Martin Stillman said the Coles’ partnership provided welcome relief at an uncertain time for grassroots sports clubs.
“Coles has been a wonderful supporter of Little Athletics since our partnership began in 2017. Their support at the grassroots level through fruit donations and equipment grants is where it’s been the most impactful and we’re delighted to have them on board for another two years,” Stillman said.
Athletics Australia CEO Darren Gocher was delighted with the partnership extension and said the mutual values of the two organisations make for a fruitful partnership.
“We are thrilled to have Coles continue as our Community Partner. Together, through programs such as Sporting Schools, Raise the Bar Indigenous Academy and Coles Little Athletes Big Dreams, we are ensuring Australians are leading healthier and more active lives,” Gocher said.
The Coles Little Athletes Big Dreams program has seen Australian track and field stars such as Sally Pearson, Brandon Starc and Matthew Denny visit Little Athletics centres around the country to inspire Aussie kids to lead happier healthier lives.
The Raise the Bar Academy, is a pathway Academy for Australian Indigenous secondary school students (Years 10, 11 and 12) who aspire to participate in athletics and study at university. Coles plays an invaluable role in the program, hosting the Academy at their head office and conducting educational classes, teaching them some of life’s most valuable skills, such as meal preparation, resume writing and job interview techniques, as well as career opportunities within their community.
Athletics West CEO Vince Del Prete welcomed the extension and Coles commitment to championing Athletics in Australia.
“Coles ongoing support means our Little Athletics centres can continue to flourish and get the next generation excited about being active. From future Track and Field Olympians to AFL and Netball superstars, this partnership will help young Australians find their passion and fuel their future.” Del Prete said.
The partnership has provided more than $1.68 million in grants for sports equipment to 376 Little Athletics centres and more than 3 million bananas to give athletes a nutritious snack during training and competitions since 2017.
For more information about how you can get involved in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480.
To view the official Coles media release click here
Photo Credit: Coles