NOWRA ATHLETICS CLUB SUPPORTS SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN WITH OPTUS GRANT

The Nowra Athletics Club will celebrate the success of its inaugural ‘Shoalhaven Special A’s’ program this Saturday 27 April, thanks to $9,000 in funding from the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program. The athletics program supports children with special needs including Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome and other disabilities.

Established over 50 years ago, Nowra Athletics Club provides the local Shoalhaven community facilities to improve their fitness in a family-friendly and social environment. The Optus funding was essential in providing specialised sporting equipment, uniforms, and the development of a website for families in the community to share experiences and build friendships.

Matt Dallas, ‘Shoalhaven Special A’s’ Coordinator at Nowra Athletics Club said, “There is a growing desire for organised exercise programs for children with special needs on the South Coast. The ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program is helping provide a dedicated program for these children and offers a network of support for them and their families.

“It has been great to see these kids and families develop friendship groups within the community while increasing their athletic skills and having fun.”

Helen Maisano, Associate Director, Corporate Social Responsibility at Optus said, “Optus is delighted to support the Nowra Athletics Club and give children with special needs an opportunity to connect with society and build their self-esteem through sports.”

The annual ‘yes’ Optus Communities Grants program awards funding of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations that help build social inclusion and reconnect disengaged youth in communities. Since 2008, Optus has awarded $880,000 in grants to 165 community organisations across Australia.

Matt Dallas and members involved in the ‘Shoalhaven Special A’s’ program will be at Willandra’s home course of Nowra Athletics Club this Saturday to showcase aspects of the project.

PHOTOCALL OPPORTUNITY:
WHEN: Saturday 27 April, 2-3pm
WHERE: Willandra’s Nowra Athletics Club, 101 Browns Mountain Road, Tapitallee
WHY: A chance to see Nowra’s inaugural ‘Shoalhaven Special A’s’ program in action
ATTENDING: Matt Dallas, ‘Shoalhaven Special A’s’ Coordinator for the Nowra Athletics Club, members involved in the program and Optus.

For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program please visitwww.optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants

Media contact:
Julia Clarke
Fuel Communications
(02) 8217 6505