Nominations for the Good Sports Awards — for clubs building healthy and inclusive club environments through the Good Sports program — are now open, with eight categories set to be recognised.
Each category carries a $1000 prize, and clubs can qualify in more than one section.
Goulburn and Murray Valley-based clubs have a great chance to be in the running as well, with more than 50 community sporting clubs in Greater Shepparton registered with the program, more than 30 in the Campaspe Shire and more than 20 in each of the Moira and Mitchell shires.
Strathbogie Shire also has more than 10 Good Sports clubs among its ranks.
“The national Good Sports Awards celebrate Australia’s best local sports clubs and volunteers who work tirelessly to build and maintain healthy and family-friendly environments,” Alcohol and Drug Foundation chief executive Erin Lalor said.
“This year we’ve seen many inspirational Good Sports clubs going above and beyond to keep members connected, engaged and healthy, despite coronavirus restrictions.
“These clubs have shown just how much they really care about their members, and we strongly encourage them to nominate.
“Even if your club’s season has been cut short this year due to COVID-19, celebrating your wins and achievements is the perfect way to boost club morale and keep members feeling proud and connected.”
Nominations, which can be made at , close at midnight on December 1, with the winners set to be announced early next year.goodsports.com.au/awards/
Categories include Club of the Year, Club Champion, Healthy Eating Club of the Year, Healthy Minds Club of the Year, Junior Club of the Year, Safe Transport Club of the Year, Rookie Club of the Year and Tackling Illegal Drugs Club of the Year.
In Victoria, Good Sports is funded by the Australian government and Transport Accident Commission and managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
The core program offers clubs free tools, resources and practical support to implement policies around alcohol management, tobacco, and safe transport.
“Good Sports is working with almost 10,000 community sports clubs across Australia to build a healthier sporting nation,” Dr Lalor said.
“The program encourages systemic changes in club culture to promote long-term positive health outcomes.
“Community sporting clubs that role-model healthy behaviours are leaders in their community and play an important role in reducing and preventing harms from alcohol and other drugs.”
Good Sports is proven to reduce risky drinking at participating clubs by 37 per cent and has seen a reduction of alcohol-related accidents among Good Sports club members and supporters by 42 per cent.
For information about Good Sports and the Good Sports Awards visit https://goodsports.com.au or @goodsportsclubs and www.Facebook.com/GoodSportsClubs
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