2015 Thermoskin Community Sports Fund Now Open
Media Release: Grassroots Australian sporting teams have the chance to secure funding of up to $1500 in the annual Thermoskin Community Sports Fund. The popular fund - now in its third year - encourages sporting clubs, teams and organisations to apply for much-needed funds for equipment, new uniforms or upgrades to training facilities.
Over the past two years, 240 clubs and organisations across a vast array of sports, have applied for a diverse range of requests. After an incredible response, the fund is back with a total pool of $10,000.
This year’s entrants will be judged by a panel including former Co-Captain of Melbourne Phoenix and Commentator at ABC Sports, Eloise Southby-Halbish, Paralympics gold medallist Richard Colman (back for his third year as a judge), Thermoskin CEO Matt Symington and Australian Cricket Team Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.
Southby-Halbish says providing funding to grassroots sporting teams is extremely important so they can provide facilities and services to their members.
“Participation in sport is part of the Aussie culture. It's vital that we help Australian sporting teams as best we can so that they can continue to offer services to their members. The fund is designed to support Australia’s diverse range of sporting organisations, of all ages, that are passionate about providing opportunities for locals to enjoy physical activity."
Thermoskin CEO Matt Symington encourages all clubs to apply regardless of the sport or size of the team.
“The fund is designed to help Aussie clubs and their members stay active through the sports they love. It is not about how popular a sport is or how big a team is, it's just about showing us your commitment to your sport and the value you bring to the community. In the past we have provided funding to a whole range of clubs from men's handball to dragon boat racing to roller derby teams".
The Kyneton & District Little Athletics Centre, one of the lucky 2014 fund recipients, emphasises the need for Thermoskin's much-needed injection of funds.
"Without companies and others offering the chance for clubs to apply for grants, obtaining equipment and running of these clubs can be very difficult," Christine Colver, club secretary says.
Funding is dependent on the quality of application, why the funds are needed, the value the team brings to the community and the number of Facebook votes received by the public.
Entries are open from 2 February until 31 March 2015. Applications close on 31 March 2015.
From April 1 to 20, the public is encouraged to vote for the sporting team, organisation or group they think is most deserving of the funds.
Successful recipients of the Thermoskin funding will be announced via Facebook and Twitter on 30 April after a four-week period of public and panel voting.
For more information visit the Thermoskin Community Sports Fund Website or Facebook page.
To download a PDF media release, click here.
For enquiries, please contact:
Sonia Heng, Red Agency, +61 3 9670 8350, Sonia.Heng@redagency.com.au
Sara Zucchi, Red Agency, +61 3 9670 8350, Sara.Zucchi@redagency.com.au
