Redcliffe Little Athletics has received a grant to buy new sports equipment through the Coles “Banana A-Peel” initiative, which is part of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
The grant, in the amount of $2,602.91, has enabled Redcliffe Little Athletics to buy an electronic starting gun for use during competitions.
Speaking about the grant at the time, Redcliffe Little Athletics Centre Manager John McRoberts said, “Redcliffe Little Athletics has a rich and proud history in the community. We were the first little athletics association in Queensland and have produced a number of elite athletes including numerous state team members.”
“The Coles grant will enable us to buy a new electronic starting gun which will replace the cap guns that are going out of circulation and help athletes better prepare for the state competitions.”
What is Coles Banana A-Peel?
Coles Banana A-Peel donates 10 cents from every kilogram of Cavendish bananas sold at its supermarkets. All funds raised will be directed to the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund to provide sports equipment grants for grassroots Little Athletics clubs and centres. The fund has already provided 417 Little Athletics centres across Australia with more than $2 million in sports equipment grants in just four years.
Coles Little Athletics Australia President Sherrie Boulter said the funds raised from banana sales at Coles this week would help kids to participate and stay in the sport.
“Bananas have become synonymous with Little Athletics since we partnered with Coles in 2017 and Coles stores started donating boxes of bananas to their local Little Athletics centres,” she said.
“It’s incredible to think that in just five years, Coles has donated more than 3.7 million bananas to Little Athletics. The banana donations have played a huge role in helping to embed healthy eating habits among young athletes and at Little Athletics canteens across Australia.”
“We’re so excited that this year bananas will also have a role to play in helping fund our sport, in particular, to help our local clubs and centres buy essential equipment for their volunteers and budding athletes.”
Nina Kennedy Supports Banana-A-Peel
Australian pole vault record holder and Coles ambassador Nina Kennedy encouraged shoppers to buy a bunch of bananas to help grassroots Little Athletics centres across the country.
“Little Athletics played a huge part in helping me become the athlete I am today and any support we can give local clubs and centres to buy new and safe sports equipment is invaluable,” she said.
“Through my role as Coles ambassador, I’ve visited many Little Athletics centres this season and I’ve seen first-hand the benefit that new equipment from the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund provides for kids, volunteers and the club.”
“I hope shoppers across the country can help support our future Aussie track and field stars by buying a bunch of bananas this week. Not only will you be supporting a great cause, but you’ll be getting a nutritious, healthy snack for your lunchbox.”