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Paralympics Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) have joined forces with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) to form the Alliance for Sport Recovery. The goal of the Alliance is to raise crucial funds to help get people back on the playing field in communities devastated by the country’s recent bushfires.
This is the first time these four leading sporting organisations have come together in such a way, and their aim is to work together to raise and distribute funds to replace damaged equipment and offer financial support to help affected families and communities come together once again through the power of sport.
In the bushfire-affected areas, infrastructure and buildings will usually be covered by local councils or insurance, but things like equipment, uniforms and even memberships to sporting clubs for those families who have been financially impacted will not be. These are the practical and essential items that the Alliance will be funding, to help get clubs and the community back on their feet.
Patrick Walker, Chief Executive Officer of the ASF, said: “The Australian Sports Foundation and our Alliance Partners know the important role that sport plays in breaking down barriers and creating a sense of wellbeing. This is particularly important after a natural disaster, as sport brings communities together, in turn helping the recovery and healing process. Through this initiative we will give communities the kit and equipment they need to get their sporting teams and clubs back up and running, and so speed their return to normality.”
Lynne Anderson, Paralympics Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re proud to be able to work closely with our Alliance partners on such an important initiative. While we will bring a particular focus on supporting Australians with a disability who have been impacted by the fires, our aim is to share the values of Paralympic sport and the power of sport with as many Australians as possible.”
Matt Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of the AOC, said: “Sport is at the heart of our communities, and many sports clubs themselves in our towns will need assistance to recover. The Olympic sports will be working to support clubs, schools and families. Restoring the enjoyment of sport is a significant step in rebuilding community spirit, and the Olympic movement is ready to step up and help.”
Craig Phillips, CGA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have seen the impact of the recent bushfires on many of the grassroots clubs from our member sports, and also our past and present Commonwealth Games team members. We stand ready to assist in whatever way we can to help these communities, and the individuals and families affected, rebuild and return to participating in the sports they love.”
It is estimated that hundreds of sports clubs and associations have been devastated by fire, with athletes and clubs now faced with the task of replacing sporting facilities and equipment. Through this collaboration and with the support of Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes, it is hoped people and businesses will dig deep and donate so local areas can regenerate through sport and help local communities heal quickly.
With the rebuilding and healing process set to take years, now is a crucial time to be donating to help support these affected clubs so they can play their vital role in the recovery process.
Donations can be made online at recovery.sportsfoundation.org.au. All donations are tax-deductible and will be distributed to affected sports clubs and communities to get them back up and running.
For further information, visit recovery.sportsfoundation.org.au.
By Paralympics Australia, CGA, the AOC and ASF
Posted: 28/02/2020
