GOOD SPORTS AUSTRALIA JUNIOR CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR HAY LITTLE ATHLETICS

By Good Sports Australia.

Hay Little Athletics was recently celebrated at the annual Good Sports Awards at Parliament House, Canberra.

They were named the 2023 Good Sports Junior Club of the Year for creating a safe place for juniors to play sport.

The national Good Sports Awards celebrate Australia’s best community sporting clubs and volunteers, for their commitment to building healthy and inclusive club environments, and their work with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program in tackling topics like alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking, mental health and safe transport.

Club President, Kayla Garner said the Good Sports program has been instrumental in fostering a culture of responsibility and safety within the club and influencing a shift away from alcohol centric celebrations.

“Good Sports has provided valuable education and training for our members around alcohol and other drugs and has guided us to introduce policies around responsible service and consumption of alcohol during events and matches,” Kayla said.

“Good Sports encourages community-wide participation, involving families and supporters and as a result, our club has seen an increase in parental involvement and vigilance, which naturally deters underage drinking and other drug use.

“Not only have we seen a noticeable reduction in alcohol and drug-related incidents within the club, but our members now feel supported and confident to address and prevent potential substance-related harms.”

Hay’s Little Athletics says it fosters a safe, inclusive, and truly family-friendly environment, and has a strong focus on the well-being and inclusively of younger members.

Jess Schiller, MP Sussan Ley, and Kayla Garner in Canberra for the Good Sports Awards ,for which Hay Little Athletics won Good Sports Junior Club of the Year. Image supplied.