Everley Park, Revesby Workers’ and Canterbury Little Athletics Centres were among 158 grassroots sports club across Australia to share in $521,000 for sports equipment from the latest round of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
It is the single largest round of grants distributed to Little Athletics centres since the Coles fund was established two years ago to support little athletes hoping to follow in the footsteps of Aussie champions like Sally Pearson and Brandon Starc.
The grant comes amid research from the Australian Sports Foundation in July which estimated that over 16,000 local sports clubs were at risk of closing due to reduced revenues and increased costs arising from Covid-191.
Everley Park Little Athletics’ President Gail Evans said the $4,600 grant to purchase a high jump mat, shot puts and discuses, would have a significant impact on their athletes.
“The new equipment will allow our centre to help athletes develop their skills and hopefully encourage them to strive to reach the next levels in the athletics pathway,” she said.
Revesby Workers’ and Canterbury will use their funding to purchase portable radios and a high jump mat cover to improve the experiences of athletes and parent volunteers at their weekly meets.
Commonwealth Games high jump champion and Coles ambassador Brandon Starc is among the Aussie athletes who have been affected by disruptions and restrictions caused by Covid-19 and says he hopes the funding will encourage kids to get back on track this season.
Funds for the grant are raised through the sale of specially marked chiller bags designed by Aussie kids, with 10 per cent of every bag sold directed to the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.