Coles signs new partnership with Athletics peak bodies to support grassroots participation

October 19, 2020

Coles has signed a new partnership agreement with Little Athletics Australia and Athletics Australia providing financial support to build grassroots athletics across the country at more than 500 Little Athletics centres, in schools and with Indigenous and para-athletes.

Olympic Champion Sally Pearson was joined by 2019 World Champions Kelsey-Lee Barber and Jaryd Clifford and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Matthew Denny at Runaway Bay Little Athletics Centre in Queensland to make the announcement and to encourage children across Australia to get active and join up for Little Athletics as COVID-19 restrictions ease in time for the summer season.

Pearson, who started her illustrious career at Little Athletics on the Gold Coast, said she was delighted to continue supporting the next generation of Australian athletes despite retiring from international competition last year to give birth to daughter Ruby.

“I’m so glad to continue my involvement with athletics through Coles’ partnership with Little Athletics Australia. Little Athletics is where it all began for me, so I know how important grassroots centres and volunteers are to helping kids realise their potential.”

Coles Chief Executive, Steven Cain said the Athletics partnerships embodies Coles’ purpose to help Australians lead healthier, happier lives adding “we’re extremely excited to help Aussie athletes across the country to pursue their personal bests whether that’s at their local Little Athletics centre or on the international stage. We know it’s been a challenging time for everyone involved in sport and we’re pleased to play our part to assist local clubs and Aussie champions alike.”

Research by the Australian Sports Foundation in July suggested that more than 16,000 local sports clubs were at risk of closing due to reduced revenues and increased costs arising from COVID-19.

Little Athletics Australia Chief Executive, Martin Stillman said the Coles’ partnership provided welcome relief at an uncertain time for grassroots sports clubs and noted “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.”

Athletics Australia Chief Executive, Darren Gocher welcomed Coles’ ongoing support for its athletes, coaches and community programs enthusing “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.”

Coles 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.

Image: World Champions Sally Pearson (left) and Kelsey-Lee Barber (right) supporting Runaway Bay Little Athletes Boston (left) and Tyler (right)

4th October 2019 - Athletics Australia and Little Athletics agree to unite

12th September 2018 - Athletics Australia and Little Athletics Australia revive plans for closer links

11th September 2018 - Sales of Coles Community Bags to help fund Little Athletics

21st August 2017 - Little Athletics Australia and Athletics Australia to deliver nationwide inclusion framework

15th March 2014 - Athletics Australia and Little Athletics establish joint management group

10th October 2011 - Little Athletics Australia and Athletics Australia make history

30th September 2020 - Feedback sought on proposed Regional Athletics Centre for Coffs Harbour

7th July 2020 - World Athletics looks to broaden mass participation reach

29th June 2020 - World Athletics partners with Parkrun to boost participation

9th April 2020 - 2022 dates confirmed for World Athletics Championships Oregon

25th March 2020 - World Athletics welcomes Tokyo Olympic Games postponement

10th February 2020 - Polytan launches cleaning and maintenance services for Australian athletics tracks

2nd January 2020 - National Athletics Championships to return to Hawke’s Bay in 2021 and 2022

13th December 2019 - Sport Group backs new World Athletics brand

4th October 2019 - Redeveloped athletics track at Goldsworthy Reserve set for official opening

20th June 2019 - Athletics Australia launches plan to enhance history of engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community

17th August 2016 - Olympians look to build fitness businesses after athletics careers

21st June 2016 - Athletics legend de Castella says community infrastructure a key asset

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.