MEDIA RELEASE

18 OCTOBER 2021

THE LOCAL FRUIT & VEG SHOPS HELPING TOMORROW’S CHAMPIONS GET BACK ON THE FIELD!

With COVID shutting down youth sporting competitions and sparking funding cuts, local Fruit and Veg stores around the country are rallying behind budding athletes to help get them back on the field. With restrictions easing and kids returning to the pitch, not-for-profit organisation, ‘A better choice!’, is launching its first Local Youth Sports Initiative. The initiative will see local Fruit and Veg stores hand out over $25,000 worth of sponsorships and $7,000 in runner-up awards to deserving kids and sporting clubs.

 With Covid causing a financial strain for many families and local sporting clubs, National Program Manager James Patrick from ‘A better choice!’ says funding has become a major barrier for local clubs to get back on the field. The sporting community, especially our youth clubs, have been hit particularly hard these last few months. With season cancellations, inability to train and funding cuts, our networks spoke out wishing that there was more they could do for the smallest members of their local community. 

“We agreed, and that’s how the Local Youth Sports Initiative was created! The little guys, supporting the little guys, in big ways- it’s only natural!” said James.

With Covid impacting clubs in different ways, entrants can choose where the much-needed funds will go, whether it’s for new uniforms, sporting equipment, sun protection, club fees, or half time fruit. “In sporting terms, the prize could mean over 2200 soccer balls, over 3300 Hockey balls, 650 Sherrin footballs, or 16.7 tonnes of Oranges,” said James. 

Three powerhouse Australian women have united to represent the Local Youth Sports Initiative: An Olympian, A Chef and World Champion Netball Player! Mariafe Artacho del Solar is an Australian Beach Volleyball player and a medal winner at the 2021 Tokoyo Olympics! Laura Sharrad was Runner-up for Australian Masterchef, a restaurant owner and TV personality! Natalie von Bertouch has made 76 Senior appearances for Australia and won gold twice at the World Championships! She is also a mum of three! 

The three superstars know first-hand the impact local sport has on the morale, confidence and happiness of young athletes and want to do their bit to help kickstart their seasons.

“It’s been heartbreaking to see youth-sport around the country put on hold. As a mum with three young kids, I know the impact this would have on them. I’m really excited to team up with local fruit and veg stores across the country to help kids start their seasons off on the right foot.” said Nat Von Bertouch. 

The initiative reflects the long-standing connection between local fruit and veg shops and community sport. “Whether it’s donating half-time oranges or providing the quality food that keeps these little athletes strong, the connection between our retailers and their sporting community has traditionally always gone hand-in-hand.” said James Patrick 

The community can nominate their local sporting club, team or an individual by simply scanning the QR code in-store or entering the competition online by following the link: https://www.abetterchoice.com.au/sportsinitiative/.

The team at “A better choice!’ want to know in 500 characters or less how this sponsorship will help the young athlete or sporting club.

The competition is open to athletes and youth sporting clubs across New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia, with nominations closing on 31/10/21.

“We want to hear everything about your little athletes and what their sport means to them. To stand out get creative, tell your story and let us know how much community means to your little athlete and why they need the kickstart” – James, ‘A better choice!’

 “I’m really excited to team up with local fruit and veg stores across the country to help kids start their seasons off on the right foot” – Nat Von Bertouch

Want to support your little legend and nominate a club/team/individual?

Nominate Your Local Today!

A better choice! with beach volleyball silver medalist Mariafe Artacho del Solar, Laura Sharrad was Runner-up for Australian Masterchef, a restaurant owner and TV personality! Natalie von Bertouch has made 76 Senior appearances for Australia and won gold twice at the World Championships! She is also a mum of three! 

Link to photos for media use can be found here

Media contact: James Parick – ‘A better choice!’ National Program Manager

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0425757777

About ‘A better choice!’

‘A better choice!’ is the first national program designed to encourage consumers to shop for fresh produce at their local independent retailer. The program aims to unite the fruit and vegetable industry and buy back customer loyalty. A joint initiative by industry group Fresh Markets Australia and the Central Markets Association of Australia, the program supports more than 550 retailers across Australia who supply more than half of the fresh produce sold each year.

 

 

 

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