For its commitment to building a stronger, healthier and more inclusive club environment, Cooks Hill SLSC has recently been crowned the 2018 NSW Good Sports Club of the Year by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
Managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Good Sports is Australia’s largest preventative health initiative in community sport, providing more than 9,000 Aussie clubs with free tools, resources and practical support to implement policies around alcohol management, tobacco and safe transport.
The Good Sports Awards recognise strong clubs and the dedicated people within these clubs who are passionate about community sport and are committed to making their clubs the best they can be.
Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club has reached the highest level of the Good Sports program and has implemented policies around alcohol management, safe transport, tobacco, healthy eating and positive spectator behaviour. The club receives $1000 for its achievements.
Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club also prides itself on its inclusive programs, including beach education programs for refugees and international students, nipper sessions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, plus assisted swimming sessions for people with disabilities.
“Every community member requires the opportunity to participate in positive physical pursuits regardless of ability, talent, culture or ethnicity. Every community member deserves to do this in a safe, caring and supportive environment. Our Good Sports resources have enabled us to both grow our membership numbers and just as importantly develop a positive, inclusive and passionate culture that extends across the vast array of our Surf Life Saving club activities,” Member Services Officer John Clyde Mayo said.
Alcohol and Drug Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Erin Lalor has praised Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club, calling the club a community champion.
“Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club is a true local leader. The club should feel incredibly proud of its efforts in a building stronger and more connected community,” Dr Lalor said.
In NSW, Good Sports is funded by the Australian Government and is home to more than 2,800 Good Sports clubs.
“Community sporting clubs are becoming healthier and more family-friendly through Good Sports. We invite more clubs to join the program, so they too can benefit,” Dr Lalor said.
“We know running a community sporting club is hard work. That’s why the Good Sports team is committed to guiding clubs through the Good Sports program, making it easier for already busy volunteers to implement,” Dr Lalor said.
About Good Sports: In NSW, Good Sports is funded by the Australian Government. Good Sports works with local sporting clubs to build a healthier sporting nation. More than 9,000 clubs across Australia are taking part in this three-tier accreditation program that provides resources and training to help create more family-friendly environments, where club members look out for one another in the areas of alcohol management, tobacco and safe transport.
Tuesday 20 November 2018