A million reasons to celebrate Aussie athletes

One hundred emerging Australian athletes have a million reasons to celebrate after collectively reaching a $1 million fundraising goal through the Aussie Athlete Fund’s $1 Million Challenge. 

The achievement was celebrated at the Great Aussie Athlete BBQ Season Launch and Awards Night at Flight Centre HQ in Brisbane on Monday 26 October, bringing together athletes, supporters and partners to recognise the year’s achievements and launch the initiative’s second BBQ season. 

Aussie Athlete Fund Founder and five-time Olympian Nat Cook OAM OLY said the results showed what was possible when Australians got behind their athletes. 

“While this is a huge achievement, the financial pressures facing our athletes haven’t gone away. Too many are still struggling to cover the costs of training, travel, equipment and competition,” Ms Cook said. 

“Research shows 46 per cent of athletes who represent Australia live below the poverty line, earning less than $23,000 per year, while 50 per cent have considered leaving their sport due to the costs associated with high-performance competition. 

“It’s so important for all Australians to get behind our up-and-coming athletes, and the easiest way to do that is to turn your BBQ green and gold with a Great Aussie Athlete BBQ kit. So, grab yours today and fire up the barbie,” Ms Cook said.,” Ms Cook said. 

The evening also celebrated the 32 athletes selected for Aussie Athlete Fund’s Elevate Program, a program combining financial support with fundraising education where each athlete received $5,000, access to a two-day educational summit, flights, accommodation and an invitation to the awards night. 

Additionally, six award winners were announced on the night each receiving an additional $5,000 across the categories of:

• Creative Content Award: Sophie Jackson, Sailing 

• Standout Event Award: Tenealle Fasala, Water Polo 

• Rising Star Award: Daniel Iliffe, Fencing 

• All-Rounder Award: Justeen Kruger, Deaf Football 

• Biggest Fundraiser: Luke Ryan, Beach Volleyball 

• Media Excellence Award: Lexie Feeney and Ryan Tyack, Archery 

Australians can help the next generation of sporting talent by grabbing some Green & Gold merch and turning their next BBQ Green & Gold, with Aussie Athlete BBQ Kits available for $99, or $999 for the Ultimate Kit which includes a Weber BBQ here.