Pearson, Bolt on hand as Sports for Schools off and running

SCHOOLS across the Geelong region have an opportunity to share in millions of dollars’ worth of sports gear with the return of Coles’ popular Sports for Schools program as of yesterday (Wednesday).

More than 800 items of quality sports gear are up for grabs, including cricket and softball bats, footballs, basketballs, javelins, hockey sticks, skipping ropes, badminton racquets, first aid kits and more.

As of February 7, customers can start collecting Sports for School vouchers. For every $10 spent at Coles supermarkets, Coles Express stores (excluding fuel) or via Coles online, customers will receive one Sports for Schools voucher.

Vouchers can then be placed in collection bins provided at Coles stores and registered schools. At the end of the program, the vouchers are tallied and the school can order the sports equipment it needs.

World champion athletes Sally Pearson and Usain Bolt have joined forces to encourage schools to sign up.

“Sports for Schools will help Aussie kids participate in sport and develop generations of happy and healthy kids,” Pearson said.

“Sport has played such an important part in my life and it’s exciting to be part of a program which is helping Aussie kids take part in the sports they love.”

Bolt said it was important to encourage children to lead a healthy lifestyle.

“Everyone likes getting something new and hopefully this campaign will help a lot of schools get better equipment to help their students play safely and have more fun.

“Nowadays people are less active than in the past – we drive everywhere and we spend most of our time sitting down – so it’s important to eat well and get enough exercise.”

Coles managing director John Durkan said that through the Sports for Schools program, Coles had supplied more than $20 million worth of sports gear to more than 7,500 schools across Australia since 2010 and was pleased to be introducing the program again.

“Our customers love sport and we want to see their families have every opportunity to participate in sports themselves. Sports for Schools will help schools provide sporting equipment to children, encouraging them to take up new sports while staying fit and healthy,” he said.

To register to take part, head to coles.com.au/sfs.