Commonwealth Games Australia has pledged $25,000 to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal, along with a commitment to join national sporting partners in a program of activities to assist with the recovery in affected areas.
Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said the widespread devastation of the fires in many parts of Australia has impacted many sporting clubs and athletes from within the Commonwealth Games community.
“The devastating fires will have a long-lasting impact on many communities and along with a range of organisations from the Australian sporting fraternity Commonwealth Games Australia is ready to provide whatever assistance we can to help the recovery process,” Houston said.
Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips said the CGA would work with national sporting organisations and the Australian Olympic Committee on a program of activities to help support communities impacted by the fires.
“Many Commonwealth Games Australia member sports have already announced bushfire fire appeal activities, including Bowls Australia, Netball Australia, Cricket Australia and Basketball Australia who have community clubs devastated by the fires. Hockey Australia and Squash Australia have also announced fundraising initiatives as have individual athletes such as the #kms4bushfires started by Delhi and Gold Coast athletics team member David McNeill.”
Phillips said he had spoken with the Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll about working together to ensure the efforts of all organisations are optimised.
“We will work with the AOC on supporting their programs with the aim of helping communities recover and also work with all three tiers of government to support where we can,” Phillips said.
“Obviously we share many sports and athletes across Olympics and Commonwealth Games sports so a co-ordinated program that assists rebuilding in impacted communities will be our goal, along with the immediate donation to the Red Cross appeal.”
To donate directly to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal click here.
